When you imagine winter, we hope you imagine a comfortable evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean 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 vegetation or sticks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's protected by a section 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 inspect 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 slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or based on 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 now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine 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 can contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Central Air LLC about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also eliminates any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!