When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a cozy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace 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 keep it in great shape. 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 can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can play a role in all manners of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Done Right Air about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the chance to recognize potential problems early, while they're still easier to solve. This also burns off any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating 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 should 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 all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!