When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a cozy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean 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 clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended 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. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key 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 next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Check for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace doesn't have 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 sorts of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Halverson Brothers Inc about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating might be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to fix. This also removes any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. When 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 will be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready beforehand, 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 prepared for next winter!