5 Ways to Put Less Stress on Your Furnace This Fall and Winter

As temperatures drop while we move into fall in Idaho, your furnace becomes an extra-vital part of your home, keeping it warm and cozy.

However, constant use during the fall and winter can cause significant strain on your heating system, leading to wear, higher energy bills, and even unexpected breakdowns. The good news is that you can reduce the stress on your furnace with a few simple strategies. Here are five effective ways to ensure your furnace runs efficiently while keeping your home comfortable:

1. Seal Windows and Doors to Prevent Heat Loss

One of the main reasons furnaces work overtime is due to heat escaping through poorly sealed windows and doors. Gaps, cracks, and drafts allow cold air in and warm air out, forcing your furnace to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature.

Our Suggestions:

  • Inspect windows and doors for drafts, and use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps.
  • Consider installing insulated curtains or thermal blinds to help trap heat inside.
  • Add draft stoppers to doors to keep cold air from seeping in under the door.

These measures will help keep the heat where it belongs, making it easier for your furnace to maintain a stable indoor temperature without overworking.

2. Replace or Clean Furnace Filters Regularly

A clogged or dirty filter can drastically reduce your furnace’s efficiency. When filters become clogged with dust, debris, and pet hair, airflow is restricted, making it harder for your furnace to circulate warm air. This not only increases the workload but can also cause the system to overheat and wear out faster.

Our Suggestions:

  • Check your furnace filters at least once a month during the heating season.
  • Replace or clean the filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type and your household conditions (e.g., pets, allergies).
  • If you have a reusable filter, wash it regularly and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling.

A clean filter allows your furnace to breathe easier, improving efficiency and extending its lifespan.

3. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a smart investment that can reduce furnace wear while saving energy. Constantly adjusting your thermostat manually can cause unnecessary strain, while maintaining a steady temperature can help your furnace run more efficiently.

Our Suggestions:

  • Set a schedule that lowers the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home, and raises it when you’re active in the house.
  • Aim for a lower temperature at night or when you’re not home, as even a 5-10 degree drop can significantly reduce energy consumption and furnace workload.
  • Smart thermostats can adapt to your preferences over time, optimizing energy use without sacrificing comfort.

By reducing the time your furnace runs at full capacity, you can cut down on energy usage and extend its service life.

4. Schedule Regular Maintenance and Tune-Ups

Just like a car, your furnace needs regular maintenance to function efficiently. Neglecting annual inspections and tune-ups can lead to problems going unnoticed, resulting in breakdowns or reduced efficiency when you need heat the most.

Our Suggestions:

A well-maintained furnace is more likely to perform optimally during the colder months, reducing the risk of emergencies and prolonging its lifespan.

5. Improve Home Insulation

Poor insulation is a major contributor to heat loss in many homes, forcing your furnace to run longer and harder. By improving your home’s insulation, you can retain more heat, making your furnace’s job much easier.

Our Suggestions:

  • Insulate your attic, walls, and floors, as heat tends to rise and escape through these areas.
  • Add foam insulation to areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
  • Insulate ductwork to minimize heat loss as warm air travels through your home.

Well-insulated homes retain heat more effectively, reducing the amount of work your furnace has to do to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Trust the Experts at Gem Heating & Air Conditioning

Taking proactive steps to reduce the strain on your furnace this fall and winter can save you money, energy, and headaches. By sealing drafts, replacing filters, using a programmable thermostat, scheduling regular maintenance, and improving insulation, you’ll ensure that your furnace runs efficiently, keeping your home warm and your energy bills lower.

These simple measures will help prolong the life of your furnace while ensuring your home stays cozy all season long. Contact our team to schedule an HVAC maintenance and tune-up or for any furnace repair services you need! You can also reach us by phone at 208-912-6304