Three Steps for Preparing Your Energy Efficient Furnace for Winter

November 04, 2014

If you’ve invested in an energy efficient furnace, you know winter is when it’s going to really pay off. These inventive HVAC systems can help decrease the amount of energy or gas required to heat your home compared to older and less efficient models. With winter creeping upon us here in Lincoln, we’ve prepared some essential steps you can take to ensure your furnace will run efficiently and effectively all 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 Lincoln only to realize it’s not working properly. It’s important to have a professional inspect your equipment, 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 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 detect strange odors coming from the heater after a period of time, shut it off and call a professional. Your heat exchanger is an important part of 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.

If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, now’s the 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.

Follow these steps to create a more energy efficient home this season. Or, if you’re ready for a repair, AW Heating & Air Conditioning offers a wide range of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you choose the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Lincoln.