When you think about winter, you hopefully imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go 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 poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made 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 Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine 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 kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Airtech Cooling & Heating about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating may be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can offer you the chance to discover potential problems early, while they're still simpler to correct. This also eliminates any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!