Frequently Asked Questions

Maintenance Tips | Problem Solving | Energy Saving Tips | Energy Star®

What steps should I take to maintain my furnace?

Although most people realize how important proper maintenance is for their home comfort system, few actually take the time to do it. The simple step of changing your furnace filter every month is one of the most important things a homeowner can do to help increase the life and efficiency of their furnace.

The EPA, manufacturers, and industry professionals, recommend yearly safety inspections for both your furnace and your central air conditioner. We agree that it is a good idea to have the integrity of your furnace checked every year. This is important for you and your family's safety. However, a simple safety check is not enough. We recommend a yearly tune up and professional cleaning.

Why does the EPA recommend a yearly safety check for my furnace?

The EPA, and manufacturers, recommend yearly safety inspections for both your furnace and your central air conditioner. This is important for you and your family's safety. One well-known cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is due to a rusted or corroded heat exchanger on a furnace. This can cause the integrity of the metal to be breached, thus creating an opening for the gas to be released into the stream of clean, breathable air. This can happen over a period of time and can go undetected unless a professional technician performs an inspection.

How often do I need to change my filter?

That is a good question. It's similar to asking someone, "how often should I fill my car up with gas?" How long your filter lasts depends on several factors. High efficiency filters catch more dust and dirt so they get dirty faster than the standard fiberglass filters you typically see at the hardware stores. Lifestyle factors such as how many pets you have in the home, the size of your family and the area you live in can dramatically affect how dusty your home is. If you live in an older, "leakier" home your filter will get dirtier faster, than a newer "sealed" up home. It's a good idea to check your filter monthly. Basically, if the filter looks dirty, change or clean it.

Where should I set my thermostat?

The thermostat setting seems to be most comfortable to a majority of people between 70 and 72 degrees. Keeping a constant temperature is a cost efficient way to run the newer more high efficient systems. Don't drop the temperature more than 7 degrees at night. Programmable thermostats can help to control the temperature at all times of the day or week.

Consider replacing your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat. These models allow you to set temperatures according to the time of day. During the winter months, you can set the temperatures a little higher while your at home, and have the temperatures lower while your away or while your sleeping. You'll stay warm and cozy when you need too. And save money on energy costs by not running your furnace as much while you don't need it.

How can I prepare my furnace for the winter season?

The most important thing a homeowner can do is to make sure the filter is clean, and to schedule your annual Precision Tune-Up and Professional Cleaning. Early September is a great time to call and schedule your appointment. Calling early, before the weather turns cold, will assure that your furnace will be ready when you need it and help insure the safety of your family.

Now that winter is over, what steps do I take to put my furnace to "bed" for the summer?

Putting your furnace "to bed" is very simple. On a heating only system turn the thermostat to it's lowest setting. We recommend that you leave the pilot lit. On the new, high efficiency furnaces there is no pilot and the ignition component only comes on when the thermostat senses a demand for heat.

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The air in my home seems really dry, would adding humidity to the air help?

Our winters in Utah are typically cold and very dry. Adding humidity not only makes heat feel more comfortable at a lower thermostat setting, it will also help save money on your energy costs. Adding humidity has other benefits as well:

Moisture to help reduce dry skin.

Furnishings are also protected with proper humidity, reducing the damaging affects of heated, parched air upon everything from your wood floors and your fabrics, to your plants1.

You should notice a decrease in annoying static shocks.

Even your piano will benefit. Dried out air can contribute to loss of tone quality.

In cases where dry air has been the cause of nose, throat, and other aggravations, doctors have prescribed whole-house humidification.

When the humidity is kept between 30% and 60% molds and mildews have a hard time growing. Therefore, humidifiers have a significant effect on the control of airborne infection.

With proper humidity levels, your system will become more efficient. The moist air will hold it's heat longer then dry air and makes the air a lot more comfortable.

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1. Your furnace should be inspected once a year by a qualified heating professional. This check up will assure you that your furnace is safe to operate and running at top efficiency.
   
   
2. Schedule annual maintenance check-ups for your heating and cooling systems. By keeping your system in optimal working condition, you'll not only reduce energy costs, but your equipment will last longer.
   
   
3. Keep your furnace's pilot light lit year-round, if so equiped. That way you will be ready if a cold snap catches you off guard.
   
   
4. Make sure that your furnace has proper ventilation. Rooms or closets that enclose your equipment should have louvers or vents, or be vented directly outside. Make sure that your furnace has room to breathe. Store flammables away from your furnace.
   
   
5. Keep all return air vents open and make sure that they are not blocked by furniture, or other items. This will make it easier for your furnace to move air around your home. Go outside and make sure that the exhaust flue to the outside is clear of obstructions and in good condition from the furnace to the roof cap with all connections securely fastened.
   
   
6. Clean or replace your filters, at least once a month.
   
   
7. If your heating system is ten years or older, have us come out and do a Home Energy Survey of your home. This service is FREE to our customers. We will show you how much energy your old system is using and if you would benefit from replacing it with a newer efficient model. In some cases we can save you enough money on your energy bills to offset your payments on a new system. Off course, there is never an obligation to buy.
   
   
8. Landscape to save energy, reduce heating and cooling costs, while improving the look and value of your home. Well planned landscaping can save up to 25% of a household's energy consumption for heating and cooling. Carefully planted trees can provide much needed shade in the summer and wind breaks in the winter.
   
   
9. Consider having your duct system cleaned. Cleaned systems restore capacity and lessen running time, translating into savings on your heating and cooling bill.
   
   
10. Replace your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat. These models allow you to set temperatures by the time (there are models that bear the Energy Star® label). In the winter you can set the temperature to lower during the sleeping hours and higher during the day. The same is true for the summertime. Not only will these thermostats decrease you energy use but also increase your comfort level.

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