When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants 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 Winter Blast
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace 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 an integral component it can attract 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 more efficient airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Check 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 damage to the condenser unit outside could contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. If not, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also burns away any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!