When you imagine winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also a good idea 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. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call 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 may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Fire & Ice HVAC about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system turn 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 running properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to recognize potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns away any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season 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!