When you think about winter, ideally you think about a comfy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few 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 collect 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 rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine 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 contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw 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 HVAC system is functioning properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your furnace might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also eliminates any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When 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 will be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!