If you have an energy efficient furnace, you know the winter months are when it’s going to show its return on investement. 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 months approaching here in Lodi, we’ve prepared some simple steps you can take to ensure your furnace will operate efficiently and effectively until warm weather arrives again.
1. Schedule a regular maintenance visit before winter weather arrives.
The last thing you want is to turn on your furnace on the first cold day in Lodi only to realize it’s not working properly. It’s important to have a HVAC technician inspect your system, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC equipment is safe and working correctly. 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.
Fractured 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 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’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.
It’s a good idea to change your filters regularly, and just before winter hits is a great time. Clean filters will help improve your equipment’s air flow and can contribute 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 monthly to see whether it needs to be changed.
Use these steps to create a more energy efficient home this season. Or, if you’re due for a repair, Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning offers a variety of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you choose the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Lodi.