When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants 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 Nearby
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. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also recommended 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 check and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look 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 may worsen all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Struven Heating & Cooling about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can offer you the chance to discover potential problems early, while they're still easier to fix. This also eliminates any dust that may have gathered 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 any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking 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!