Winter Furnace Maintenance
Tuesday, November 18th, 2014
The white stuff has fallen again, this time in a much more seasonally appropriate manner than September’s snowpocalypse (I can’t believe spell check doesn’t have a problem with that word), and it’s time to double check your home is winterized if that hasn’t been done already. One key appliance for Calgarians over the next several months will be the furnace, and you want to make sure that puppy is running smoothly and reliably; a 10:00 pm emergency repair call in -30 degree weather could cost you a small fortune.
It’s a wise idea to contact your favourite trusted furnace specialist sometime in the fall for a tune up, just to ensure everything’s running as it should. There are a couple things you can take care of yourself as well, though.
Your furnace filter should be changed every one to three months, and some recommend that cheap fibreglass filters are actually better for your furnace than expensive high efficiency ones; check with a professional to be sure of what’s right for your system. Check your air return ducts for drafts, and seal with metallic tape any that you find. There are several more steps that more industrious homeowners can do, but unless you’re a confident do-it-yourselfer, call a pro.
Also consider creating setbacks on your digital thermostat, lowering the temperature when you’re away or asleep, and raising it back up again when you’re around. This can lead to some significant cost savings on your gas bill – up to 15 percent according to the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology – as long as you are prepared to find the right balance. Lowering the temperature by too much can lead to an uncomfortable house, high humidity, and reduced airflow, which may not be worth the money saved; a two degree change is the safest bet, offering some savings with little downside.
Have any other tips for keeping your house warm? Share them in the comments!
Looking for a new house to enjoy this winter? Contact me!
