When the cold winter weather rolls in, you can rest easy knowing your furnace will keep your home comfortable regardless of the temperatures outside. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact that this weather has on your furnace? Let’s explore how winter weather affects furnace performance.
Extreme Temperatures
It’s harder for your furnace to increase your home’s temperatures when the temperatures outside have fallen to extreme lows. While it will manage to keep your house warm, it will have to work overtime by running frequently and putting in much effort. As a result, much strain will be placed on the system’s components.
Humidity
Cold air doesn’t hold as much moisture as hot air. Dry air is more challenging to heat than moist air. What’s more, dry air makes you feel colder even when the temperature is just right. Therefore, your furnace will have to work harder to make your home comfortably warm for you.
Utility Bills
Your furnace will use gas or electricity to operate. The extra effort the furnace requires to keep your rooms warm will make it consume more of these resources. As a result, you can expect to pay more on your utility bills.
The Filter
When the temperature is extremely low, your furnace runs more frequently. Therefore, you can expect the furnace filter to fill up faster. You’ll need to change the filter more consistently to allow for proper airflow through your heating system. Remember, a clogged filter can hurt furnace performance and lead to a system breakdown.
Furnace Exhaust Vent
Snow can block the furnace exhaust vent on your home’s exterior. A blocked exhaust prevents your heating system from functioning correctly. Additionally, it can make your pipes leak and fail to work properly. For those reasons, keep an eye on the exhaust vent whenever there’s the potential for heavy snowfall so as to not hurt furnace performance.
When you consider the beating that the winter weather puts on your furnace, you’ll need to give the system all the help it needs to sustain optimal furnace performance and keep your home warm efficiently. The best way to achieve excellent furnace performance is by scheduling regular maintenance and having potential problems fixed promptly. Contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services if you need preventive maintenance or repairs on your heating system in the Dayton area.
