When you imagine winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily located 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 goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential 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 it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Search 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside can contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Classic Air about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace 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 may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns off any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once 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 is going to be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having 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!