When you think of winter, you hopefully think about a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter doesn't want 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 showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes 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 Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material through 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, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Look 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 may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at H&C Heating and Cooling about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to notice potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also burns away 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 order, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped in advance, 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 prepped for next winter!