When you think about winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening at home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also smart to make sure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or in line with 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 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 more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Air Current AC & Heat about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can provide the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!