How Efficient is Your Furnace? An Interactive Quiz

Winter is here, and your furnace is working hard to keep your home warm and cozy. But have you ever stopped to wonder just how efficiently it’s doing its job? An inefficient furnace can lead to higher energy bills, a less comfortable home, and even unexpected breakdowns. We believe in helping our customers understand their home comfort systems. That’s why we’ve put together this quick, interactive quiz to help you get a better sense of your furnace’s efficiency. Let’s find out if you have an efficient furnace, or a money-wasting monster!

 Trane furnace

Instructions: Answer the questions below as honestly as possible. Keep track of your answers – A, B, or C – and then check your results at the end.

1. How old is your furnace?

A. Less than 10 years old.

B. 10-15 years old.

C. More than 15 years old.

2. How often do you change your furnace filter?

A. Every 1-3 months.

B. Every 4-6 months.

C. Less than once a year, or I don’t remember.

3. Have you had professional furnace maintenance in the last year?

A. Yes, definitely!

B. I think so, but I’m not sure when.

C. No, not in a long time.

4. Do you notice any strange noises coming from your furnace?

A. No, it runs smoothly and quietly.

B. Sometimes I hear a minor hum or click, but nothing concerning.

C. Yes, it makes banging, rattling, or squealing noises.

5. What are your energy bills like in the winter compared to previous years or similar homes in your area?

A. They seem pretty consistent and reasonable.

B. They’ve gone up a bit, but nothing drastic.

C. They’re significantly higher than I expect, or they keep increasing.

6. Do you experience uneven heating in your home (some rooms hot, some cold)?

A. Not usually, the temperature is pretty consistent.

B. Occasionally, one or two rooms might be a bit cooler.

C. Yes, there are noticeable hot and cold spots throughout my home.

7. How often does your furnace cycle on and off?

A. It cycles on and off as needed, maintaining a steady temperature.

B. It seems to turn on and off more frequently than I remember.

C. It’s constantly cycling on and off, or it runs for very long periods.

Results

Now, tally up your answers to see where your furnace stands.

Mostly A’s: Your Furnace is a Champion! Congratulations! Your furnace is likely operating at a very good efficiency level. You’re probably enjoying consistent comfort and reasonable energy bills. Keep up the great maintenance habits, and consider regular professional tune-ups to keep it running smoothly.

Mostly B’s: Your Furnace Needs a Little TLC! Your furnace is doing okay, but there’s room for improvement. You might be losing some efficiency, which could lead to slightly higher energy bills. A professional furnace tune-up could make a big difference, addressing minor issues before they become major problems.

Mostly C’s: Your Furnace is Struggling! It sounds like your furnace might be quite inefficient, or even nearing the end of its lifespan. This could be costing you a lot in energy bills and might be impacting your home’s comfort. It’s definitely time to schedule a professional inspection with Poormans. We can assess the situation, diagnose any issues, and help you explore repair or replacement options to save you money and keep your home warm.

No matter your score, professional HVAC maintenance is key to a long-lasting and efficient furnace. If you’re concerned about your furnace’s efficiency or haven’t had it checked recently, don’t wait for a breakdown!

Contact Poormans today at 260-422-3534 to schedule your furnace inspection or maintenance appointment!

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