If you have an energy efficient furnace, you know winter is 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 drawing nearer here in Lake Forest, 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 service visit before winter weather arrives.
You don’t want to turn on your furnace on the first cold day in Lake Forest only to realize 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 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 smell strange odors coming from the heater after a couple minutes, shut it off and call a professional. Your heat exchanger is an important factor in 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.
If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, now’s the time. Clean filters may help improve your furnace’s air flow and could 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 once a month to see whether it needs to be changed.
Try these steps to create a more energy efficient home this season. Or, if you’re in need of a repair, 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. offers a number of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to walk you through the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Lake Forest.