How To Take Advantage Of A Furnace Replacement To Increase Energy Efficiency
A brand new furnace will almost certainly run more efficiently than your old one, but there are several other steps you can take to make it even better. Different duct systems, zoning systems, and smart thermostats all contribute to a more efficient and flexible heating system that works better and reduces your heating bills.
Use Different Ducts
While you're having a new heating unit installed, you might see if using different ducts will help boost your efficiency even more. High-velocity ducts are a popular alternative; unlike large traditional ducts, high-velocity ducts are small tubes that fit more easily between walls, ceilings, and floors and lose far less air than traditional ducts. They may cost more than traditional ducts, but ask your technician if it would be worth it to have them installed in your home.
Install Zoning Systems
Zoning systems effectively let you set different temperatures for different areas of your house or restrict heating to unused rooms by making use of dampers installed in the ducts. This is more effective than simply closing registers in unused rooms, which can cause a buildup of pressure inside the ducts and damage your heater. Zoning systems give you more finite control while also making things more energy efficient. Zoning systems might be a good idea for you if there are several areas of the house that remain unoccupied for the majority of the day or if you have rooms that tend to be noticeably warmer or colder than the rest of the house.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat has a variety of features that give you more control over your home's heating and makes use of scheduling to turn your thermostat on and off automatically when needed. Different models have different options; some connect to WiFi and let you control your thermostat even while you're away from home. Others will let you set routines where your heater will automatically turn once when you get home and can let you set different temperatures for different times of the day. What features would help you best will depend on your specific situation, so ask your technician for recommendations.
Improve Your Insulation
While an efficient system will almost always be an improvement, the impact won't be as noticeable if your house isn't efficient as well. To that end, it's a good time to make sure your house and your ducts alike are properly insulated. Duct insulation will keep the air warm until it reaches your house, which means your furnace won't have to run as long, and this insulation can lose its effectiveness with time. Even if your ducts don't have any leaks, lack of proper insulation could significantly reduce your heater's efficiency.
For more information on furnace replacement, contact a professional near you.
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