When you think about winter, we hope you think of a comfortable evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up 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 ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release 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 recommended to ensure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any odd 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 doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside may worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Western Mechanical, Inc. about checking out 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 Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still easier to fix. This also burns away any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!