An Efficient Furnace To Limit Gas and Electricity Costs

When frigid weather arrives, you depend on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable. But over time, various issues can pop up that reduce your furnace's efficiency. Here are four common repairs needed to maintain peak furnace performance.

Dirty Filters Lead to Poor Airflow

One simple but important maintenance task is changing your furnace filters regularly. As air flows through a dirty filter, it becomes more restrictive. This forces your furnace to work harder to push the air through, using more electricity.

Filthy filters also allow more dust and allergens into the air you breathe. HVAC technicians typically recommend replacing filters once a month during high-usage seasons. Disposable pleated filters are also an affordable and effective option.

Electrostatic filters also grab smaller particles but cost more. Proper filter maintenance ensures good airflow and lower energy bills and helps to avoid future furnace repair issues. 

Igniters and Flame Sensors Need Replacing

The igniter and flame sensor are key components that work together to light the furnace burner. The igniter generates a spark to ignite the gas while the sensor confirms a flame is present.

If either part becomes worn out, the furnace struggles to start and may need multiple tries before firing up. An inconsistent flame can cause temperature fluctuations and increase gas usage. Replacing a faulty igniter or flame sensor restores reliable operation.

These parts slowly degrade over years of use and will eventually need replacement by a skilled technician. Catching igniter problems early prevents more serious breakdowns and wasted heating fuel. 

Scale Buildup Lowers Heat Exchange 

For optimal efficiency, your furnace heat exchanger must transmit heat from the burner flame into the airflow. But over many heating seasons, rust builds up inside the exchanger. This insulation layer traps more heat in the exchanger, allowing less heat to reach your home.

As a result, the furnace has to work harder and run longer to maintain the set temperature. A technician can inspect the heat exchanger and recommend cleaning methods to remove accumulated scale and debris. Removing this buildup restores better heat conduction for lower gas bills.

Venting Issues Reduce Performance 

Proper venting is crucial for furnace efficiency and function. The vent pipe carries away harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide from the combustion process. However, restrictions in the vent pipe can cause back pressure, which inhibits good airflow, and leaks can allow air to escape before exchanging heat. Proper vent slope, smooth joints, and tight seals are needed for optimal draft.

An HVAC pro can diagnose vent problems and advise repairs ranging from sealing joints to replacing entire sections. Clean vents ensure gases exhaust properly for a safer home and a more efficient furnace.

By keeping up with key furnace maintenance and understanding common repair issues, you can keep your furnace performing efficiently for many more seasons.

Homeowners should be proactive and watch for signs like frequent cycling, inconsistent temperatures, higher energy bills, and slow ignition. These are signs that one or more furnace components are struggling and may need to be adjusted or replaced.

Allowing furnaces to continue operating while making noise or exhibiting signs of a looming repair issue can result in a complete loss of heat, especially during frigid weather when the HVAC system is working harder than usual. 

Instead, contact the HVAC technicians at Briarwood Heating & Cooling as soon as any problem arises. Our HVAC technicians have extensive training to inspect all components and fix any problems.

Repairing issues quickly not only improves efficiency but also prevents early system failures. We can provide comprehensive furnace maintenance before winter or make any repairs needed to keep your home cozy.