by Leann Zotis

Created on: October 21, 2009   Last Updated: April 14, 2010

Our homes and our appliances represent a wide range of opportunities for saving energy. Many appliances and lighting sources pull in a significant amount of energy and eat up a large part of our monthly income in the process. With the constantly rising costs associated with the energy we use to drive our cars, light our homes and power our lives, it's no wonder we are looking for ways to save money and energy every day. Heating and air conditioning our homes is a large energy expense today. By some estimates, between 40 and 50 percent of the energy consumed by a typical household is directed to heating or cooling our homes. Because of this, it only makes sense to take a good hard look at the furnace when trying to decide where to begin a home based energy saving program. The following are some tips to consider when evaluating your home's furnace.

* Age of furnace

If your furnace is 30 years old or older, it probably makes good sense to consider replacing it with a new, high-efficiency model. Quality furnaces (look for the Energy Star rating when you buy) boast efficiency levels above 90 percent. This will probably represent a good 20 to 30 percent efficiency improvement over your current, older furnace. If your furnace isn't quite that old, arrange for a thorough inspection by a qualified technician to evaluate your efficiency levels before you decide on your next move.

* Thermostat settings

Keep your thermostat at a temperature as low as you find comfortable. Lower the temperature at night or during the day when no one is home. Ideally, you should install a programmable thermostat. This will automatically regulate the temperature to the settings you desire. You can set it once and forget about it for the rest of the winter. The programmable thermostat will take into account the time of day or night, outside temperatures and desired on and off cycles.  There are some models with a vacation setting as well.

* Regular maintenance

Have your furnace checked yearly, preferably just before the winter heating season begins and again when it's time to convert to air conditioning. You can stop any potential problems before they begin with preventive care. A certified furnace technician can provide you with additional energy saving ideas.

* Furnace filters

Check your operating manual for scheduled filter changes and stick to it. Once a month is not uncommon, but you should certainly not exceed three months between filter changes. Dust and grime build up quickly in furnace filters, making the motor work harder to produce the same output. This will cost you more on your energy bills and reduce the life expectancy of your furnace.

* Check your registers

Make sure the registers are not blocked by furniture or any other obstacle. Check to make sure they are open or, if you are trying to redirect heat to another area, closed to accommodate your heating needs.

* Window treatments

Give your furnace a helping hand in keeping the temperature regulated at home. Keep the draperies open when the sun is shining in and closed after dark to limit the night chill you might feel from the windows.

The key to maximizing your energy savings both in terms of money in your pocket and energy conservation is to reduce your consumption wherever you can. Since the furnace represents such a large level of energy consumption in your home, it is the logical first step to consider as a starting point for your conservation plan.

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