4 Factors That Affect the Efficiency of a Furnace

Statistics show that while old furnaces and boiler systems have an efficiency rate of between 56 and 70%, modern furnaces boast as much as a 98.5% efficiency rate. When buying a furnace, the manufacturer indicates an efficiency rating of the unit. However, the unit will not always retain this level of efficiency. The four main factors which affect the level of efficiency of a furnace include the following.

Insulation Levels

The insulation level of your home will affect the efficiency of your furnace. Insulation offers an additional barrier in your home that helps retain the heat the furnace produces; thus, increasing the efficiency of the unit.

On the other hand, an uninsulated home loses heat fast. Therefore, your furnace will need to consume more energy and work harder to keep the house warm. HVAC experts offer insulation services. They can test the current home insulation level and then insulate it to the correct level to increase the efficiency of your furnace.

Maintenance History

How well do you maintain your furnace? Frequent maintenance and servicing improve the efficiency of a furnace, while poor maintenance reduces its efficiency. Therefore, always schedule maintenance and tune-ups for your unit.

Additionally, follow up on the annual maintenance services as recommended by your contractor. Sometimes your furnace might not show signs of wearing out, but waiting until the unit needs repairs will result in high energy bills and a safety hazard around your home. Maintenance brings back a furnace to peak efficiency and reduces its energy consumption all through the winter.

Furnace's Age

How old is your furnace? A furnace that has been in the home for years is likely to be less efficient. Although with regular maintenance, you can enhance the durability of your unit, the older it gets, the more inefficient it becomes.

If you note that your furnace is still inefficient after following up with maintenance and paying for frequent furnace repairs, it could be time to purchase a new unit. It is cheaper to buy a new furnace after a few years of using your current one since a new system will be more efficient.

Air Leaks Through the Duct, Vents, Windows, and Doors.

A report by EPA shows that up to 30% of air generated in a home is lost through ducts. Warm air from the furnace can leak through any outlet, such as windows and doors. 

Thus, for your furnace to be efficient, ensure your home outlets are tightly sealed to prevent wasting energy. Air leaks will force the furnace to keep heating more air; thus, reducing its efficiency.

If you notice your furnace isn't working as efficiently as it used to, contact a furnace maintenance contractor to help. 

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