When you imagine winter, ideally you think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is free 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 up by a section of tarp or similar material through 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 located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from the 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 essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. 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 can't get 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 damage to the condenser unit outside may play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system transform 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 working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, 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 notice potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns off any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your 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 make an effort to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!
