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 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 Des Moines, we’ve prepared some essential steps you can take to ensure your furnace will work efficiently and effectively all season.
1. Schedule a routine service visit before winter weather arrives.
The last thing you want is to turn on your furnace on the first cold day in Des Moines only to find out 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 products are safe and working correctly. Regular service visits will not only help the furnace operate smoothly, but it will help enhance 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 while, shut it off and call a professional. Your heat exchanger is an important part of creating an energy efficient furnace. When it’s working 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.
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 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. Or, if you’re in need of a repair, Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling offers a wide range of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you choose the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Des Moines.