When you think about winter, ideally you think about a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside can contribute to all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your heating could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to discover potential problems right away, while they're still easier to solve. This also burns away any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!