Three Steps for Preparing Your Energy Efficient Furnace for Winter

November 04, 2014

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 inventive 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 Jefferson City, we’ve prepared some essential steps you can take to ensure your furnace will work efficiently and effectively throughout the season.

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

You don’t want to turn on your furnace on the first cold day in Jefferson City only to discover it’s not running properly. It’s important to have a professional inspect your system, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC system is safe and working well. 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.

Broken 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 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 produce 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 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 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.

Try these steps to create a more energy efficient home this winter season. Or, if you’re in need of a repair, Stieferman Heating Company Inc offers a number of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to walk you through the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Jefferson City.