Furnace Upgrades: How to Improve the Performance of Your Heating System

What is your furnace for? Most homeowners would agree it’s for heating your home. 

Yet when was the last time you thought about the performance of your heating system? Is it operating well? Can you do more to ensure your comfort throughout the year? 

Maybe now is the time you spend a little time with your furnace, upgrading your approach to maintenance to make it one of the most efficient appliances in your home. 

What does that look like?

Can a furnace be upgraded to improve efficiency?

Your furnace isn’t a buy-it-and-forget-it appliance. The average furnace will last 15 to 20 years … with proper maintenance. It’s the most significant appliance inside your home. Ignoring it can cause extensive damage to the system, leaving your home anything but comfortable. 

If you’re looking for upgrades that will make your furnace more efficient, consider:

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can be an easy and effective upgrade that can help you save money and energy. By programming the thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re not home, you can reduce energy waste and save up to 10 percent on heating costs. Plus, you can set it to automatically adjust to your preferred temperature when you’re home. No more manually adjusting it, which can decrease efficiency.

Air Filters

Regularly changing your furnace’s air filter can help to improve the system’s performance. Air filters trap dirt, dust, and other debris that can build up and cause the furnace to work harder than it needs to. By changing the air filter every 1 to 3 months, you can improve air quality, increase energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your furnace.

High-Efficiency Furnace

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be time to upgrade to a high-efficiency model. High-efficiency furnaces use less energy to produce the same amount of heat, which can result in significant savings on your energy bills. Additionally, they often have better features, such as variable speed fans and improved insulation, which can improve performance and reduce noise levels.

Duct Sealing

Leaky ductwork can cause significant energy waste, as hot air can escape before it reaches the desired rooms in your home. By sealing any leaks in your ductwork, you can improve energy efficiency, reduce the workload on your furnace, and improve indoor air quality. Plus, you’ll likely notice better comfort levels in your home.

Zoning System

A zoning system can be a great upgrade if you have a larger home with multiple floors or rooms with varying heating needs. A zoning system allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently, so you can customize the heating to fit your specific needs. This can lead to improved energy efficiency and greater comfort.

Are you ready for furnace upgrades?

You don’t have to live with an uncomfortable, inefficient furnace. With a few upgrades to the heating system, you can improve the way you live. 

How can we help you upgrade your furnace?

 Understanding Boiler Efficiency Ratings and What They Mean For Your Energy Bills

Summary: Are you considering using a boiler system for heating your home? Efficiency ratings can help you select wisely for improved performance and lower energy bills. 

Winter temperatures along the Front Range seem to be dipping lower and staying longer. That makes many homeowners more aware of their heating systems and how much they are spending on monthly utility bills. 

While many homeowners may be familiar with gas-force heating systems, many are seeking more energy-efficient solutions. They’re giving an energy-efficient boiler a second look. Is a boiler right for your home? 

Unlike furnaces that operate by producing warm air, boilers heat your home with water. Pipes carrying hot water release heat as they pass through baseboard radiators and radiant flooring systems. As the water cools, it returns to the boiler, where it’s heated once again. They have advantages more homeowners are falling in love with, including:

• Higher efficiency
• More even heating
• Quieter operation
• Improved indoor air quality

All provide good reasons to consider a boiler for heating your home. But many homeowners narrow in on the efficiency for good reason. 

Most boilers are powered by either gas or heating oil. Like gas furnaces, boilers are rated by their annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which is an easy way to compare how much energy each unit is being converted to heat. 

New boilers are regulated to have an AFUE of at least 80 percent. Higher efficiency models will rank between 90 and 98.5. The higher the rating, the lower the operating cost. Higher-rated boilers will be more expensive, but much of that cost can be made up quickly from the reduced monthly utility costs.  

Right now, low-efficiency boiler rates are between 56 to 70 percent AFUE. Mid-range heating systems are typically between 80 to 83 percent. When boilers rate above 90 percent AFUE, they are considered high-efficiency. 

If you own an older boiler with low efficiency, you can easily lower your monthly utility bills by hundreds of dollars per month by investing in higher-efficiency equipment. 

Be aware that regular maintenance is also a part of the process, no matter how old your equipment. Technicians will perform tasks such as:

• Test the pressure-relief valve
• Inspect the pressure tank
• Drain water and remove sediment
• Check safety controls
• Check and clean the heat exchanger
• Check vent connection pipes

Efficiency is maintained by ensuring your boiler equipment remains in good working condition. We can help with that. Our technicians are trained to ensure your boiler remains in good working condition, keeping your home healthier, warmer, and as efficient as possible. 

How can we help you today?