Three Steps for Preparing Your Energy Efficient Furnace for Winter

November 04, 2014

If you’ve upgraded to an energy efficient furnace, you know the winter months are when it’s going to really pay off. These state-of-the-art 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 months approaching here in Northglenn, we’ve prepared some simple steps you can take to ensure your furnace will operate efficiently and effectively all season.

1. Schedule a routine service visit before winter weather arrives.

The last thing you want is to turn on your furnace on the first cold day in Northglenn only to find out it’s not operating properly. It’s important to have a HVAC technician inspect your equipment, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC equipment is safe and working correctly. Regularly maintaining your equipment will not only help the equipment operate smoothly, but it will help increase the energy efficiency of your furnace, as well.

2. 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. Simply check your furnace’s combustion chamber for cracks. If you notice strange odors coming from the heater after a while, shut it off and call a professional. Your heat exchanger is an important part 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.

3. Change your air filter.

When’s the last time you changed your filter? Now is the time. Clean filters may help improve your system’s air flow and may lead to better energy efficiency, as well. Pleated, HEPA and electrostatic filters can also help increase the furnace’s energy efficiency, so consider upgrading if you’re currently using a flat filter. We recommend checking your filter monthly 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, Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. offers a wide range of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to walk you through the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Northglenn.