Using Your Furnace Efficiently

Five questions to ask about your home heating operations.

Have your home heating expenses been going up in recent years? At JW Pierson Co., we speak to homeowners in Montclair, Livingston and across our northern New Jersey service area about how they can lower their energy costs through more efficient heating operations.

Here are five questions you should ask this winter to determine if you’re getting the best possible fuel efficiency from your home’s furnace.

Is your furnace system’s airflow obstructed?

It’s all too easy for the cold air coming into your furnace and the warm air traveling through your ductwork to become restricted. This causes your system to work harder than it needs to and burn more fuel. Here are three ways to ensure your system’s airflow is unobstructed:

1. Check your furnace’s air filter once a month and clean or replace it if it’s dirty.
2. Look at your fresh air intake valve and confirm that it isn’t blocked by plant life or debris.
3. Make sure the vents in your home are open and unobstructed by rugs, shelves, furniture or anything else.

When was your last furnace tune-up?

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your furnace’s efficient operations is to call in a Pierson technician once a year to perform our annual heating system tune-up. This comprehensive cleaning, inspection and calibration will ensure your system is burning fuel efficiently and safely. It will prevent breakdowns from occurring and help your system run for the longest possible lifespan. An annual tune-up is also typically required to keep your manufacturer’s warranty in place.

Are your thermostat settings saving you money?

A programmable thermostat is an effective way to reduce heating equipment usage while maintaining your comfort. This simple device allows you to save energy and lower your utility bills by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home. By setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower than your usual setting for at least 8 hours a day, you could cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

Are you using these simple, low-cost energy-saving tips?

Here are a few other ways to lower your heating-related energy consumption:

1. Open up your curtains and shades on sunny days to warm up your rooms. Your furnace won’t need to cycle as often during the day!
2. Reverse your ceiling fans to turn clockwise and run them at a low speed. It will push the warm air down in your rooms where you can feel it better.
3. Check for drafts in your home and close them with caulk, weatherstripping and door sweeps.

Is it time for a furnace upgrade from JW Pierson?

If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it’s probably running less efficiently than it used to. You’re also not taking advantage of efficiency technologies that have helped today’s furnaces use less oil or gas. Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency system could lower your energy consumption by 20% or more for years to come. The result is superior comfort and lower energy spending.

Talk to the team at JW Pierson today about a new furnace installation. We’re happy to provide you with a FREE estimate.