Three Steps for Preparing Your Energy Efficient Furnace for Winter

November 04, 2014

If you’ve invested in an energy efficient furnace, you know winter is when it’s going to start paying for itself. These inventive HVAC systems can help decrease 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 Siloam Springs, we’ve prepared some essential steps you can take to ensure your furnace will run 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 Siloam Springs only to find out it’s not operating properly. It’s important to have a HVAC technician inspect your system, as these individuals have been trained and certified to ensure your HVAC system is safe and working well. Keeping your equipment regularly maintained will not only help the furnace operate smoothly, but it will help enhance 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 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 part of 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 produce 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 furnace’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 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 season. Or, if you’re ready for a repair, Siloam Springs Heating & AC offers a number of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to walk you through the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Siloam Springs.