When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a comfortable evening at 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 stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable 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. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate 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 can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate 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 crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Search 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 could worsen all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight 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. Otherwise, your furnace could be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still simpler to solve. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. As soon as 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 is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!