When the temperatures drop, you turn up your thermostat and expect it to keep you and your family toasty. However, your system takes in a great deal of dust and debris from your home, both of which can limit its life expectancy and decrease efficiency. By preventing dirt from building up, you can lessen your energy bill while extending the life of your unit.

Change (or Clean) Your Furnace Filter Regularly

Depending on the filter type you have, either clean or change it once every one to three months. If you use your furnace frequently, have pets, suffer from allergies or asthma, or smoke, you’ll want to change it on the more frequent side.

Dust and Vacuum Your Home at Least Once Per Week

At least one time per week, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from your stands, television, and other hard surfaces. Your furnace draws in air from your home to warm, and as it does, it’s also taking in dust. By minimizing the fur, dust, and other particles that the furnace pulls in, less debris will have a chance to build up in the system.

When you’re dusting, vacuum any carpeting or rugs. Even though you can’t see the dust, the fibers harbor it. It will be continually tracked throughout your home, possibly winding up in your furnace.

Seal Your Ductwork

Sealing your ductwork enhances your energy efficiency, but it can also prevent dust from entering your furnace. Sealed ductwork decreases the amount of particulate matter entering the ducts.

Consider Purchasing an Air Purifier

Your furnace won’t have as many allergens, fur, and other airborne contaminants that accumulate inside it when you have fewer particles circulating through the air. Though how well the purifier works depends on the model, opting for one with a high-grade HEPA filter removes the most debris from the air. As a helpful hint, place the purifier in a high-traffic area because, as everyone kicks dust up, the device will be able to remove more of it.

Schedule a Routine Inspection and Cleanings

Once a year, book a routine HVAC inspection and cleaning. A professional will examine vital components of your unit and ensure they’re working as they should. Not to mention, the technician can clean your system, too.

Cleaning your home and having an air purifier reduces the dirt in your home that ends up in your furnace. Changing your furnace filters regularly and having a professional inspect and clean the unit yearly are other ways to keep the air in your home cleaner and your furnace running at peak performance.

To remain warm all winter, contact Peak Home Performance in Colorado Springs, CO for heating maintenance services.