Cold winter days and nights are here, so what can you do to reduce HVAC strain as much as possible? In a typically sized home, a gas furnace runs for about nine hours per day. This total is divided into two or three heating cycles per hour of 10 to 15 minutes each. However, certain conditions can cause the furnace to run longer and more frequent cycles, increasing HVAC strain and raising operating costs, as well as imposing excess wear and tear on furnace components.
Here are some things you can target to reduce HVAC strain on the furnace this winter while increasing heating performance and efficiency.
- First, schedule annual preventative maintenance with a qualified professional HVAC contractor. The checkup, inspection, and manufacturer-recommended service procedures ensure reliability for a long, cold winter and make keeping the house warm more economical.
- Change the air filter regularly. Most furnace manufacturers recommend inspecting the condition of the air filter monthly during winter and replacing it when needed. If the filter looks good, however, replace it every other month. Buy quality pleated cotton or polyester filters for the best filtration performance.
- Review thermostat settings. Make sure programmed temperatures are appropriate for the upcoming winter. Household routines and the number of occupants in a home may have changed since last year, and temperature settings may require updating.
- Make sure all vents in all rooms are open and unobstructed. If supply or return vents have been closed or objects such as furniture are blocking airflow, internal furnace components can overheat. Heating efficiency will also decline and costs will rise.
- Take advantage of solar heat. Open drapes on sun-facing windows to allow sunlight to stream into the house during daylight hours. This heat source reduces strain on the furnace, and you won’t be getting a bill for it. Be sure to close drapes when sunlight wanes, as heat loss through windows can occur.
Annual professional furnace maintenance by our certified technicians reduces HVAC strain and ensures a more comfortable winter at lower costs. Paitson Bros. has been Terre Haute’s trusted source of HVAC sales and service for 100 years (now going on 101).
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922