When you think about winter, ideally you think about a comfortable evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared 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 Nearby
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. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a section 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, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your furnace is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also burns away any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. As soon as 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 is going to be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping 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 ready for next winter!