Three Steps for Preparing Your Energy Efficient Furnace for Winter

November 04, 2014

If you’ve upgraded to an energy efficient furnace, you know the next few months are when it’s going to start paying for itself. These state-of-the-art HVAC systems can help reduce 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 Hasbrouck Heights, we’ve prepared some essential steps you can take to ensure your furnace will operate 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 Hasbrouck Heights only to find out 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 correctly. Regularly maintaining your equipment will not only help the furnace 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 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.

It’s a good idea to change your filters regularly, and just before winter hits is a great time. Clean filters can 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 at the end of each month to see whether it needs to be changed.

Try these steps to create a more energy efficient home this winter season. Or, if you’re ready for a repair, ACE Solutions offers a variety of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to walk you through the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Hasbrouck Heights.