The unforgiving Canadian winters can drop temperatures down to at least minus 40 degrees Celsius. For residents in Alberta, preparing for the chilly season months and months before is already a routine. They know that furnace maintenance is a top priority in preparing to keep keeping the whole family warm and comfy during winter.
Following are some helpful year-round tips to ensure that your furnace serves you well when its best is needed.
What Your Furnace Is Telling You
How do you know if your furnace is in optimal shape? As a homeowner, there are basic features you can check on your end to gauge the efficiency of your home’s heating system. Typically, from the time you switch the furnace on, it should take a half-hour to 45 minutes to maintain a steadily warm temperature throughout your home.
Raising the thermostat by a degree at a time will require a few more minutes of waiting. If your unit takes longer than usual, a maintenance check may be in order.
Other warning signs to take note of include strange noises from your unit, as well as leaks and rusty parts of your furnace. Also, if you notice that your unit cycles or switches on and off more frequently, the air filter may be dirty. If you’re adjusting the thermostat and nothing happens, then the problem may be with the batteries or wiring.
Switch to Energy Star
Longtime Edmonton homeowners know that part of preparing for winter includes the consideration of finding a replacement for their furnaces. The Consumer Energy Alliance asserts that furnaces ideally last for up to 15 years. Beyond that time, they may not be working at maximum efficiency and may need to be retired.
When considering a new furnace, you are wise to look at Energy Star-certified models, which can produce the heating you need without breaking the bank. Some furnaces are rated by their AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), featuring ranges from 80% up to 96%. The higher your AFUE, the friendlier your furnace is to utility bills and heating efficiency.
Talk to the Professionals
If you require specialized services for cleaning, repairing, and maintaining your furnace, then call the specialists. They can inspect your system and make sure that everything is in good running condition. If need be, they will recommend a replacement furnace that works perfectly for the size of your home. Moreover, they will install it promptly to avoid any inconvenience.
Make your home winter ready by seeking the advice of experts when it comes to efficient furnace replacement and maintenance.
