When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a comfy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover 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 close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse 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 contaminants can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Search 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Premium Air Services LLC about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your furnace might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also eliminates any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking 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!