If you’ve upgraded to 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 cut back the amount of energy or gas required to heat your home compared to older and less efficient models. With winter months approaching here in Laurel, we’ve prepared some simple steps you can take to ensure your furnace will run efficiently and effectively throughout the season.
1. Schedule a routine maintenance visit before winter weather arrives.
The last thing you want is to turn on your furnace on the first cold day in Laurel only to realize it’s not operating properly. It’s important to have a HVAC professional inspect your furnace, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC system is safe and working well. Regular service visits will not only help the furnace 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 the air in your home. This leads to safety concerns with 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 factor in 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 can contribute 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 once a 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, H&C Heating and Cooling offers a wide range of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to walk you through the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Laurel.