When you think about winter, we hope you imagine a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. 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 keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean 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 steadily collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Dearing's Service & Solutions about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on its 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, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!