Furnace Fun Facts: Heating Up Your Knowledge

Tom Markley • September 18, 2024


Today, we're diving into the world of furnaces, those unsung heroes that keep your home cozy during the frosty months. Furnaces may seem like humble appliances, but they've got a few tricks up their sleeves that you might not know about.


The Efficiency Game Changer

Did you know that today's furnaces are way more efficient than their predecessors? Older models had an efficiency rating of around 56%, which means more than 40% of your energy dollars were going up in smoke. Modern high-efficiency furnaces, on the other hand, can reach efficiency ratings of up to 98.5%. That's a big win for your wallet and the environment.


Two Main Types

Furnaces come in two main flavors: gas and electric. Gas furnaces use natural gas to generate heat, while electric furnaces rely on electrical resistance heating elements. Each type has its pros and cons, but both will keep you warm when Old Man Winter comes knocking.


The Manager-Thermostat

Your thermostat is like the conductor of a furnace orchestra. It tells the furnace when to start and stop heating your home. Programmable thermostats take this to the next level, allowing you to set temperature schedules, so you're always comfortable without wasting energy.


Noisy Business

Furnaces can be a bit noisy, but it's not because they're having a dance party inside. The sounds you hear are typically the blower motor, burners, or air ducts doing their job. If you ever hear something out of the ordinary, it might be time to call in the HVAC pros for a tune-up.


Furnace Lifespan

Furnaces are like the superheroes of home appliances. They have a long lifespan, typically lasting around 15-20 years. However, regular maintenance can extend their careers even longer.


Regular Check-Ups

Speaking of maintenance, furnaces benefit from an annual check-up. Professional inspections can catch small issues before they become big problems, ensuring your furnace keeps running smoothly.


Filter Heroics

Furnaces are also champions of air quality. Their filters trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, helping to keep the air in your home clean and healthy.


Zoned Heating

Want to customize the warmth in different parts of your home? Zoned heating allows you to do just that, so you can have a toasty living room while keeping the guest bedroom a bit cooler.


There you have it – a quick dive into the world of furnaces. They might not have capes, but they're certainly home comfort superheroes. If you ever need more furnace facts or some TLC for your trusty heating friend, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Alpine. Stay warm and informed! 🔥❄️😊



Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an AC repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications. Connect on Facebook for more tips and insights.

June 18, 2025
Summer in Ohio can bring the heat—and the high energy bills. If you're like most homeowners, running your air conditioner nonstop isn't exactly friendly to your wallet. But the good news is, there are simple ways to stay cool and save money at the same time. Here are our top tips to lower your electric bill this summer without breaking a sweat. 1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up Your air conditioner works hard in the summer, so give it the TLC it deserves. A professional AC tune-up helps your system run more efficiently, catch problems early, and avoid costly breakdowns. A clean, well-maintained system uses less energy—and that means lower bills. 2. Set Your Thermostat Wisely Every degree counts. Setting your thermostat just 2–3 degrees higher can make a big difference on your electric bill. Aim for 75–78°F when you're home and 82–85°F when you're away. Want to save even more? Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to automate those savings. 3. Keep Filters Clean Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder. Change your air filters at least every 1–3 months—more often if you have pets or allergies. It's a small task that can lead to big savings. 4. Use Ceiling Fans Correctly Ceiling fans don’t cool the air—they move it. But the breeze makes you feel cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees. Just make sure your fans are set to spin counterclockwise in the summer. 5. Seal Leaky Windows and Doors Cool air sneaking out of your home is like money flying out the window. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps around doors and windows. It’s one of the easiest DIY upgrades you can do to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. 6. Close Curtains During the Day Sunlight streaming through your windows can quickly heat up your home. Keep blinds and curtains closed during peak sun hours—especially on south- and west-facing windows. Better yet, use blackout curtains for extra insulation. 7. Avoid Heat-Building Activities Midday Try to run the dishwasher, oven, or dryer in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler outside. These appliances generate heat that forces your AC to work harder. Cooking outdoors on the grill is a great alternative too! 8. Consider an AC Upgrade If your system is over 12–15 years old, it might be time for a high-efficiency upgrade. New systems use less energy and cool your home more effectively. The upfront investment can pay off quickly in lower energy bills and fewer repairs. If you are in need of service on your current AC system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs. Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114
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Help Us... Help Others !!! For the entire month of June for each Share this post gets on our social media accounts we will donate $20 (Up to $1,000.00 Total) to Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry. To learn more about this great program and the great work they are doing in our area check out the link below: https://feedingthehungry.org/ . . #helpushelpothers #endhunger #supportlocal
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