It’s easy to be lured by the attraction of a new energy-efficient furnace: great savings, longer lifespan, and improved indoor comfort and air quality. The reality is that none of these features will be realized if your home is inefficient in terms of air leaks and inadequate insulation. Poor insulation and leaks in your home’s envelope or ductwork will prevent you from realizing the potential savings of your new furnace.
Take the following steps before you invest in your new efficient furnace to ensure you get the return you deserve on a smart investment.
Energy audit. Take the time to schedule a professional energy audit, or perform your own energy audit, to evaluate the areas where your home’s inefficiencies may compromise your new furnace’s performance. You can take results of the audit and create a plan to address issues in order of their importance.
Seal the envelope. In the world of construction, we call a home’s exterior surfaces an envelope. Any leaks in the envelope will allow undesirable heat transfer year-round. During the winter months, your heated air will escape outside. In the summer months, the warm exterior air will make its way inside your home. In both cases, your HVAC system has to use unnecessary energy to keep your home at the desired temperature, resulting in higher utility bills and excessive wear and tear on equipment.
Seal any visible cracks or gaps in your home’s siding and chimney. Pay special attention to where the siding meets the foundation, and around window and door frames. Seal any areas where plumbing or electrical work has penetrated the exterior walls, and replace any worn-out weatherstripping on doors and window.
Address duct issues. Have your duct system inspected for any potential leaks or airflow obstructions. Older homes may benefit from a duct redesign.
Inspect and upgrade insulation: Improving home insulation is just as important as sealing air leaks. Both tasks will improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning to get your Lorain, Erie or Cuyahoga county home in energy-efficient shape before you commence with a new furnace replacement.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Angie Lyczkowski is the owner and manager of operations at Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning... 
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area