When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made 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 Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also smart to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash 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 contaminants can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps 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 few months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Search 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Struven Heating & Cooling about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your furnace is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also removes any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!