Three Steps for Preparing Your Energy Efficient Furnace for Winter

November 4, 2014
client and salesman

If you’ve invested in an energy efficient furnace, you know the next few months are when it’s going to start paying for itself. These inventive HVAC systems can help reduce the amount of energy or gas used to heat your home compared to older and less efficient models. With winter drawing nearer here in Franklin & South Indy, we’ve prepared some simple steps you can take to ensure your furnace will work efficiently and effectively all season.

  1. Schedule a regular maintenance visit before winter weather arrives.

You don’t want to turn on your furnace on the first cold day in Franklin & South Indy only to find out it’s not running properly. It’s important to have a HVAC professional inspect your equipment, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC equipment is safe and working the right way. Regular service visits will not only help the furnace operate smoothly, but it will help enhance the energy efficiency of your furnace, as well.

  1. Check your heat exchanger.

Cracked or improperly functioning heat exchangers mix combustion gases with your home’s air, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. This inspection is easy – just inspect your furnace’s combustion chamber for cracks. If you notice strange odors coming from the heater after a period of time, shut it off and call a professional. Your heat exchanger is an important component of creating an energy efficient furnace. When it functions properly, the equipment doesn’t have to work as hard or use as much energy to generate the heat you desire.

  1. Change your air filter.

It’s a good idea to change your filters regularly, and just before winter hits is a great time. Clean filters can help improve your furnace’s air flow and may lead to better energy efficiency, as well. Pleated, HEPA and electrostatic filters can also help enhance the furnace’s energy efficiency, so consider upgrading if you’re currently using a flat filter. We recommend checking your filter at the end of each month to see whether it needs to be changed.

Use these steps to create a more energy efficient home this season. Or, if you’re ready for a repair, Winters Heating and Cooling offers a variety of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you choose the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Franklin & South Indy.