When you think about winter, ideally you think of a comfortable evening in your warm 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 might not be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check 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 may worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Central Air LLC about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also burns away any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained 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 prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!