When you think of winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes 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 Winter
1. Cover 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 make sure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting 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 is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside may worsen all sorts of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at County Line Mechanical LLC about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your furnace may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to detect potential problems early, while they're still easier to correct. This also eliminates any dust that may have piled up 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-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!