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 left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants 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 a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also smart to ensure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look 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 play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Western Mechanical, Inc. about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment 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 might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also removes any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking 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!