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 drawing nearer here in Bend, we’ve prepared some helpful steps you can take to ensure your furnace will work efficiently and effectively until warm weather arrives again.
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 Bend only to find out it’s not operating properly. It’s important to have a professional inspect your system, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC system is safe and working well. Regular service visits 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 clean air, potentially creating problems with carbon monoxide poisoning. Simply 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 working properly, the equipment doesn’t have to work as hard or use as much energy to generate 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 can help improve your system’s air flow and can contribute 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.
Try these steps to create a more energy efficient home this season. Or, if you’re due for a repair, Tri County Climate Control LLC offers a variety of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you find the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Bend.