When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Check 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Comfort Zone, LLC about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system transform 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 functioning properly before the middle of winter. If not, your HVAC system might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to correct. This also eliminates any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. Once 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 should be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!