You can’t control the temperatures around Albany, IN, and you’re left dealing with the heating bills. You wouldn’t volunteer to pay more for your heating, but that’s what you may have unintentionally done. Here are four signs your furnace is costing you extra money on your utility bills and in repairs.
1. Unused Thermostat Programing
The Department of Energy estimates you can save up to 10% of your heating costs using your thermostat’s programs. To realize these savings, you need to lower your temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for about 8 hours a day during the heating season. The best times to do this are while everyone’s away during the day or sleeping at night.
2. A Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts the air flowing through your system, resulting in longer run cycles. The longer run cycles drive up your utility bills. However, they also cause additional strain on your system, increasing the number of furnace repairs you need.
3. Unusual Heating Cycles
Your system’s heating cycles should last between 10 and 15 minutes and should happen two or three times per hour. Both longer and shorter heating cycles increase fuel consumption and operational strain. Dirty air filters, other airflow restrictions, and mechanical failures can all cause these unusual cycles.
4. Neglected Furnace Maintenance
Your furnace needs routine maintenance to clear out airflow restrictions, lubricate bearings, and tighten connections. Neglecting this maintenance slowly drives up your operational costs and increases the risk of breakdowns.
Additionally, nearly all manufacturers require routine maintenance as a term of their warranty. While they want to ensure their equipment works, they also know it’ll only work well when maintained. Neglecting that maintenance may leave you holding the repair bill when something breaks down.
Don’t volunteer to pay more to heat your home this winter. Schedule your furnace maintenance with the expert technicians at Lamb Heating & Air Conditioning today.
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