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 innovative HVAC systems can help decrease the amount of energy or gas used to heat your home compared to older and less efficient models. With winter creeping upon us here in McHenry, we’ve prepared some essential steps you can take to ensure your furnace will run efficiently and effectively until warm weather arrives again.
1. Schedule a routine service visit before winter weather arrives.
You won’t want to start the season by turning on your furnace on the first cold day in McHenry only to realize it’s not working properly. It’s important to have a HVAC professional inspect your system, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC system is safe and working correctly. Keeping your equipment regularly maintained will not only help the furnace operate smoothly, but it will help improve 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 detect strange odors coming from the heater after a couple minutes, shut it off and call a professional. Your heat exchanger is an important part of creating an energy efficient furnace. When it’s operating correctly, the equipment doesn’t have to work as hard or use as much energy to provide your family with the heat you desire.
3. Change your air filter.
When’s the last time you changed your filter? Now is the time. Clean filters can help improve your equipment’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.
Follow these steps to create a more energy efficient home this winter season. Or, if you’re in need of a repair, Jett's Heating & Air Inc. offers a variety of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to walk you through the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in McHenry.