When you think about winter, ideally you imagine a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally located 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 furnace could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. If not, your furnace may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also removes any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, 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 its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!