If it gets cold in the winter where you live, your furnace is the most important part of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. While you can survive hot weather with a fan and a cool drink, a malfunctioning furnace in below-freezing weather can lead to serious, even life-threatening consequences. So it is important to keep that furnace running at peak efficiency for comfort, economy, and most of all, safety.

Furnace Types and Efficiency

Most furnaces in the United States run on fossil fuel (natural gas, oil, propane) or electricity. Furnace efficiency is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). New fossil-fuel furnaces must meet an AFUE rating of 78 percent, while all-electrical furnaces range between 95 and 100 percent. Check the furnace in your home. If it is an old coal-fired unit that has been converted to oil or gas, if it has a pilot light rather than electric ignition, or if it lacks vent dampers or an induced draft fan, the efficiency rating will be 65 percent at best. You should seriously consider replacing it with an efficient fossil-fuel or electric furnace.

Routine Furnace Maintenance

One of the key things you can do to improve the efficiency of your furnace is to replace the filters regularly. Most modern filters are good for three months between changes. Also consider having your system checked by a professional every fall. Many HVAC companies offer service contracts that include annual inspections. You should also have your ductwork cleaned on an annual basis to prevent dust and pollen buildup.

Depending on the condition of your current HVAC unit, you will be able to save 20 percent or more on your heating bills. Do the calculations to determine your return on investment in a new high-efficiency furnace.