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 reduce the amount of energy or gas required to heat your home compared to older and less efficient models. With winter drawing nearer here in Des Moines, we’ve prepared some simple steps you can take to ensure your furnace will run efficiently and effectively throughout the 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 Des Moines only to realize 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 well. 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 your home’s air, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Simply check your furnace’s combustion chamber for cracks. If you smell 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 functions 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.
When’s the last time you changed your filter? Now is the time. Clean filters may help improve your system’s air flow and could lead 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 monthly to see whether it needs to be changed.
Follow these steps to create a more energy efficient home this season. Or, if you’re due for a repair, Heartland Heating & Cooling offers a number of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you find the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Des Moines.