If you’ve invested in an energy efficient furnace, you know the winter months are when it’s going to start paying for itself. These state-of-the-art HVAC systems can help cut back the amount of energy or gas needed to heat your home compared to older and less efficient models. With winter creeping upon us here in Manassas, 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 won’t want to start the season by turning on your furnace on the first cold day in Manassas only to discover it’s not operating 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 the right way. Keeping your equipment regularly maintained will not only help the product operate smoothly, but it will help improve 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 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 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 produce the heat you desire.
3. Change your air filter.
When’s the last time you changed your filter? Now is the time. Clean filters will help improve your system’s air flow and may lead to better energy efficiency, as well. Pleated, HEPA and electrostatic filters can also help increase the furnace’s energy efficiency, so consider upgrading if you’re currently using a flat filter. We recommend checking your filter monthly to see whether it needs to be changed.
Follow these steps to create a more energy efficient home this winter season. Or, if you’re in need of a repair, Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. offers a wide range of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you choose the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Manassas.