When you think of winter, ideally you think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers 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 Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also recommended 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. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may worsen all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Precision Mechanical about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your heating might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can offer you the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still simpler to fix. This also removes any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as 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 its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the all winter 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!
