When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a comfortable evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is free 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 protected by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check 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 could worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward 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. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any 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 take the time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, having 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!