When you think about winter, ideally you imagine a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also a good idea to ensure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace 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 once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside may worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Air-Right Energy Design about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns off any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!
