A warm home is not simply a guarantee because you have a furnace. To ensure that your home is toasty and comfortable, you need to take steps to maintain the heating system. The following are just three ways that you can improve your home heating.

1. Duct Sealing

Air loss via the ducts can reduce the efficiency of your furnace. This means that your home may never quite feel as warm as you would like. Duct leaks can occur for a variety of reasons. Some leaks may be present from the beginning, perhaps from poor installation or damage soon after they were installed. Ducts can also develop leaks over time, typically from shaking apart at the joints as a result of normal operation. Sometimes, damage to the ducts leads to leaks.

A duct inspection will uncover any leaks or damage inside the system. Then, your HVAC service can repair the damaged ducts or seal your ductwork so that you don't have to worry about future heat loss.

2. Air Filtration

Filtration issues can reduce airflow through the furnace. Poor airflow means reduced air output and poor heating. The most obvious cause of poor filtration is a clogged furnace filter. The furnace won't be able to pull air through a dirty filter, which can put undue stress on your HVAC system as well as reducing heat output. This is why the filter should be changed every one to two months during the heating season.

Some homes have more issues with air quality. If you live on a dirt road, have pets, or otherwise have a lot of dust in your house, then the furnace filtration system may not be up to the task of full filtration. In this case, talk to an HVAC service about installing an additional air filtration device.

3. Regular Maintenance

A well-maintained furnace provides more consistent heat, runs more efficiently, and is likely to break down. Ideally, your furnace should be professionally inspected and tuned up once a year, preferably before the fall heating season begins.

During a tuneup, the HVAC technician will check the fuel source and electrical systems for possible issues. They will also lubricate moving parts and clean burners, blower assemblies, and filters. The thermostat will also be checked to make sure it is functioning properly. If problems are found, you can have them repaired before cold temperatures arrive.

Contact an HVAC service in your area if you want to improve your home heating this winter.