When you think about winter, ideally you imagine a comfy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't want 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 HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover 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 close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate 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 brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Check 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Solar Air Inc. about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still simpler to fix. This also removes any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, 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 make an effort to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!