If you’ve upgraded to an energy efficient furnace, you know winter is 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 required to heat your home compared to older and less efficient models. With winter creeping upon us here in Williamsport, we’ve prepared some simple steps you can take to ensure your furnace will operate efficiently and effectively all season.
1. Schedule a regular maintenance visit before winter weather arrives.
You won’t want to start the season by turning on your furnace on the first cold day in Williamsport only to discover 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 enhance 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. 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 component of 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 provide your family with 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 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 winter. Or, if you’re in need of a repair, Lycoming Heating Company offers a number of energy efficient furnaces. We’re happy to help you choose the latest and greatest HVAC systems available in Williamsport.