As the seasons change, the weather conditions affect how efficiently your furnace operates. It’s essential to be aware of these seasonal changes and take necessary steps to ensure your unit remains in good working condition.
This blog post discusses how weather conditions affect your furnace and provides actionable tips to prevent potential issues.
Cold Weather And Your Furnace
When the temperature drops, your furnace needs to work harder to keep your home warm, increasing energy consumption and wear and tear. 
Here are some easy solutions to help you tackle the challenges of colder weather and ensure optimal performance:
- Clean or Replace your Filter Regularly: A dirty or clogged filter can impede airflow, force your furnace to work harder than usual and overheat. Regularly replacing or cleaning your filter can ensure proper airflow, improve energy efficiency and prolong the life of your unit.
- Opt for Professional Maintenance: Certified HVAC professionals can thoroughly inspect your furnace, clean the internal components, and identify potential issues. This will keep your unit running efficiently, help prevent unexpected breakdowns during the colder months, and ensure optimal airflow.
- Seal Drafts and Air Leaks: Opening and closing doors and windows frequently create drafts in your home, hence the reason for air leaks. This infiltration of cold air through air leaks makes your furnace work harder to compensate for the heat loss. Sealing these leaks with weatherstripping or caulking reduces the workload and eliminates unnecessary energy costs.
Humidity Changes
As winter sets in, the air becomes drier, leading to lower humidity levels inside your home. This dry air can affect indoor air quality and your furnace’s performance.
To mitigate these effects, consider the following:
- Use a humidifier: Investing in a whole-house humidifier or portable units can help add moisture to the air, improving indoor air quality and making your home more comfortable. This will reduce static electricity and dry skin and prevent the added strain, as it won’t have to work as hard to humidify the air.
- Adjust Humidity Levels: Home comfort levels usually require an indoor humidity range of around 30-50%. Maintaining these levels ensures your furnace doesn’t overwork by preserving adequate humidity and healthy living conditions.
Stormy Weather
Storms can lead to possible power outages, leaving you without heating during cold weather. Planning for this possibility is crucial.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Invest in a backup generator: A backup generator guarantees you can still run essential appliances, including your furnace, during power outages. This provides peace of mind and ensures your home remains warm during the power outage.
- Use Alternative Heat Sources: Having backup heat sources, such as battery-powered heaters or another heating source available for emergencies, can provide temporary heat until power is restored or alternative arrangements can be made.
- Clear Outdoor Ventilation: Storms can cause debris to block the outdoor ventilation for your furnace. Before and after storms, check and clear any debris to ensure proper airflow and prevent damage.
Spring and Fall Temperature Changes
During the transitional seasons, when temperatures rise and fall, your furnace can have trouble maintaining a consistent temperature indoors.
Here are some tips to improve your operations during these periods:
- Upgrade to a programmable thermostat: Programmable thermostats enable you to set different temperature schedules based on the time of day, allowing your furnace to automatically adjust to the changing temperatures to achieve optimal comfort and efficiency without manual tinkering.
- Schedule Yearly Maintenance: Regular maintenance helps keep your furnace in top shape. Professional HVAC technicians can thoroughly inspect and clean, making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
- Seal Air Leaks: Just as in colder temperatures, sealing air leaks in your home during the transitional seasons will help maintain consistent temperatures and reduce the workload on your furnace. Less workload ensures lower energy bills.
Conclusion
Weather changes can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of your furnace.
By conducting regular HVAC maintenance, reducing energy consumption, replacing filters, sealing air leaks, using alternative sources of heat, and investing in backup power sources, you can ensure that your furnace continues to provide reliable and efficient heating for your home.
For more help, contact Advanced HVAC experts, who help keep your unit running smoothly and your home comfortable throughout the year.
