When you imagine winter, ideally you think about a cozy 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 may not be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also smart to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material through 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, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can 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 secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral 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 rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any strange noises or aren't 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 damage to the condenser unit outside could play a role in all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can provide the chance to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to fix. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once 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 the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!
