If you’ve invested in an energy efficient furnace, you know winter is when it’s going to show its return on investement. These inventive 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 Erie, we’ve prepared some helpful 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 Erie only to discover it’s not working properly. It’s important to have a professional inspect your system, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC products are safe and working the right way. Keeping your equipment regularly maintained will not only help the product operate smoothly, but it will help improve the energy efficiency of your furnace, as well.
2. Check your heat exchanger.
Cracked or improperly functioning heat exchangers mix combustion gases with clean air, potentially creating problems with carbon monoxide poisoning. Simply inspect 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 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 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 may help improve your system’s air flow and could lead 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 once a month to see whether it needs to be changed.
Try these steps to create a more energy efficient home this winter season. Or, if you’re in need of a repair, Patterson & Stirling Inc offers a wide range of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you choose the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Erie.