If you’ve invested in an energy efficient furnace, you know the winter months are when it’s going to show its return on investement. These state-of-the-art HVAC systems can help decrease the amount of energy or gas needed to heat your home compared to older and less efficient models. With winter months approaching here in Pella, we’ve prepared some simple steps you can take to ensure your furnace will work efficiently and effectively all season.
1. Schedule a routine maintenance visit before winter weather arrives.
You won’t want to start the season by turning on your furnace on the first cold day in Pella only to discover it’s not working properly. It’s important to have a HVAC professional inspect your furnace, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC products are safe and working the right way. Regularly maintaining your equipment will not only help the equipment operate smoothly, but it will help enhance the energy efficiency of your furnace, as well.
2. Check your heat exchanger.
Fractured or improperly functioning heat exchangers mix combustion gases with your home’s air, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Simply inspect your furnace’s combustion chamber for cracks. If you notice strange odors coming from the heater after a couple minutes, shut it off and call a professional. Your heat exchanger is an important factor in creating an energy efficient furnace. When it’s working properly, the equipment doesn’t have to work as hard or use as much energy to generate the heat you desire.
3. 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 will help improve your system’s air flow and can contribute to better energy efficiency, as well. Pleated, HEPA and electrostatic filters can also help improve 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 winter season. Or, if you’re in need of a repair, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating offers a number of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you choose the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Pella.