If you live in the northeast or the midwest you know that natural gas prices rise in the winter when everyone is turning up the heat at home. You can’t control natural gas prices, but there are things you can do to make your furnace run more efficiently so you save energy this winter. Plus, when you sign up with us you may be eligible to take part in the Major Energy Rewards program and you could be eligible for Visa prepaid cards that can be used to cover the cost of furnace maintenance.
Let’s take a look at how you can get your furnace ready for the winter!
5 Tips for Getting Your Furnace Ready for Winter
We’ve provided energy-saving winter weatherization tips, but something else you can do to get ready for the cold weather is to give your furnace some attention. The good news is there’s a lot you can do on your own for free or minimal cost. Here are some fall furnace maintenance tips that should help your equipment run more efficiently.
Furnace Maintenance Tip #1 – Do a Visual Inspection
All the components of a furnace need to be in perfect working condition. If not, you could waste energy or even have a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. A visual inspection should always be done first to ensure the equipment is in good working condition.
Pay careful attention to the exhaust flue pipe because damage here can cause carbon monoxide to leak out. Inspect where the pipe attaches to the furnace and look for holes or cracks in the pipe as well. If there’s a small hole, patch it with foil tape. However, if there are large holes or corrosion the flue pipe should be replaced.
Furnace Maintenance Tip #2 – Clean or Change the Furnace Air Filter
The next tip is very easy to do and can be a big energy saver. Just like an HVAC system, the furnace has a filter that cleans the air that’s passing through. If the filter is dirty and clogged up, air can’t pass through easily, making the furnace work harder. That leads to increased energy use.
You’ll need to regularly clean or replace the air filter depending on the type of filter you have. Experts recommend that the furnace air filter be changed at least once a year, but you may want to change it again after the furnace has been running a few months. Keeping your furnace filter clean not only helps the equipment run better, it also improves the air quality inside your home.
Furnace Maintenance Tip #3 – Vacuum Out Ducts and Vents
Dirt and dust can also build up in the ducts and vents, compromising the efficiency of the furnace and the air quality. Homeowners should remove the vents so that the ducts can be vacuumed out. Also clean the vents themselves before putting them back in place.
Furnace Maintenance Tip #4 – Adjust the Flue Pipe’s Damper
You may need the help of a professional for this tip, but it’s a known energy saver. The flue pipe has a barometric damper that controls the air that’s drawn into the chimney. When the chimney is tall or the damper is not adjusted correctly the chimney can draw in excess air, which decreases efficiency. The damper can be weighted so that the chimney draws in less air and uses less energy.
Furnace Maintenance Tip #5 – Check the Blower Belt
The motor of the furnace powers the blower, which pumps heated air through the home. If the blower belt is worn or loose the blower won’t run as efficiently, wasting energy. A worn blower belt will need to be replaced before it fails completely.
You can check the tension of the blower belt by pressing on it. If the blower belt moves more than three quarters of an inch it’s too loose. There’s an easy way to tighten it. All you have to do is slide the motor back slightly to increase the tension.
If you don’t feel comfortable handing the furnace maintenance yourself, call in the professionals. There’s a good chance that you’ll make up the cost of hiring a pro over the course of the winter if your equipment is using less energy.
Major Energy Rewards & Rebates That Can Cover the Cost of Furnace Maintenance
When you’re part of the Major Energy family you get to enjoy more than just a competitively priced fixed rate plan. You may also be a part of the Major Energy Rewards program. As a part of the program you can receive gift cards, cash and product giveaways. There are also daily deals, plus special savings on dining, entertainment, travel and more from hundreds of businesses.
Right now Major Energy is also offering several special rebates on select products that can help you cover the cost of furnace maintenance or your energy bills. Major Energy customers may be eligible to receive:
- Up to $100 in prepaid Visa cards on electricity plans
- Up to $200 in prepaid Visa cards on natural gas plans
- Up to $50 in prepaid Visa cards on natural gas plans
The longer you’re with Major Energy the more you get back in rebates and rewards. It’s just one way that we let customers know how much we appreciate them!
The offers you’re eligible for depend on your energy plan and the terms. Not sure which offers you qualify for? No problem! Give our customer care team a call or email, and they can let you know what offers you can take advantage of as well as any special deals that are currently available.
Ready to sign up and start getting more out of your energy plan? A customer care team member can provide personal assistance, or you can find Major Energy plans and sign up online in minutes. We make it easy to switch providers or continue your service with no interruptions.