When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a comfy evening at home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near 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 clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any strange noises or are not getting 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 has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside can worsen all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Better Air about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating may be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, 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 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, having 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 ready for next winter!