Kansas City winters can bring weeks of icy winds and below-freezing temperatures. A reliable and efficient furnace is essential for comfort and cost savings. When your heating system runs effectively, you save energy, reduce wear and tear, and stay warm during the coldest winters. Santa Fe Heating & Air in Gardner, KS offers proven tips to help you improve furnace efficiency.
1. Schedule a Fall Furnace Tune-Up in Kansas City
The best time to prepare your furnace is before winter arrives. A fall tune-up allows our technicians to inspect, clean, and test your furnace for any safety or performance issues. During our maintenance service, our professionals check the burner, heat exchanger, blower motor, and safety controls. We’ll also clean vital components for safety and efficiency.
We recommend scheduling service in September or October. However, it’s never too late to get your furnace checked. Preventive maintenance keeps your system running safely and reduces the risks of mid-winter breakdowns. It also helps your furnace perform efficiently all season.
2. Replace or Upgrade Your Furnace Filters on Schedule
Airflow is critical for furnace performance. Clogged filters can quickly reduce your furnace’s efficiency. Dirty filters force the blower motor to work harder than usual, increasing energy usage and shortening equipment lifespan.
Check your furnace filter at least once a month. Replace it every one to three months. Homes with pets or allergies may need more frequent changes. For the right balance of airflow and filtration, choose a filter rated between MERV 8 and 11. A high-quality filter keeps your air clean and your furnace efficient.
3. Seal and Insulate Exposed Ductwork
Leaky or uninsulated ducts waste a lot of heated air before it ever reaches your living spaces. Common problem areas include joints, seams, and connections. You’ll usually find leaks closest to the furnace or attic.
Instead of using standard duct tape, seal leaks with mastic sealant or UL-rated foil tape. Regular tape breaks down too quickly. Mastic is a thick adhesive brushed over seams. Foil tape works well for smooth metal ducts.
After sealing, consider duct wrap insulation to protect exposed ducts in unconditioned areas like the attic. Duct wrap can help reduce heat loss and make your system heat more efficiently.
4. Balance Airflow and Keep Vents and Returns Clear
Blocked registers and return vents restrict air circulation. They make your furnace work harder and run longer. Keep furniture, rugs, curtains, and other obstacles at least a few inches from vents. Schedule a professional airflow test if you notice cold spots or areas that feel overly stuffy.
5. Install and Program a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can make a major difference in both comfort and energy savings. These devices allow you to set weekday and weekend schedules. You can set it to automatically adjust temperatures when you are asleep and awake.
Many models offer geofencing that detects when you’ve left home. They can also send maintenance reminders or let you know when there are performance issues.
6. Add Attic Insulation and Weatherstripping
Even the most efficient furnace can’t work well when heat escapes through poorly insulated areas. Kansas City homes need attic insulation rated R-49 for optimal performance.
Don’t forget to seal gaps around doors and windows. This can prevent heat loss, which makes your furnace work harder to keep your home warm.
7. Manage Winter Humidity for Comfort
Kansas City’s winter air is notoriously dry, and low humidity makes your home feel colder than it actually is. Aim for relative humidity levels of 30% to 40%. Whole-home humidifiers connect directly to your HVAC system and control humidity throughout your home. Portable humidifiers offer little protection against dry air, and they can be a pain to maintain.
8. Optimize Blower Settings and Static Pressure
Your furnace’s blower settings are also important. Too much air makes rooms drafty, but too little air reduces heat distribution. Our HVAC professionals can take measurements of temperature rise and static pressure to ensure the blower operates correctly. Systems with electronically commutated motors offer fine-tuning options for different heating stages or duct conditions.
9. Consider High-Efficiency or Staged Furnace Upgrades
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, upgrading may be the best way to increase efficiency. Modern high-efficiency furnaces have AFUE ratings of 95% or higher. This means nearly all the fuel gets turned into heat.
Before installing a new furnace, it’s important to seek professional guidance and a load calculation. We can perform a special calculation to help determine which size will work best in your home. If your current furnace is old, breaking down often, or improperly sized, we can help you choose a new one.
Best Thermostat Settings for Kansas City Winters
Finding the right temperature balance can make a big difference in your energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home. Lower the set temperature by 7 to 10 degrees while sleeping or away from home. Doing so can help you see lower bills this winter.
Let Us Help
Santa Fe Heating & Air can help you put the above into action. We provide a range of furnace services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. Taking a few proactive steps now can help you prepare for a more efficient Kansas City winter. Contact Santa Fe Heating & Air today to schedule furnace services in Gardner.
