When you think about winter, ideally you think of a comfortable evening at 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 keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy 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 crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside may worsen all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to solve. This also removes any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared 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 prepared ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season 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 prepared for next winter!