When you think about winter, we hope you imagine a comfortable evening at home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Cool Air Solutions about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the chance to notice potential problems early, while they're still easier to resolve. This also removes any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!