When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a comfortable evening at 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 unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at True Temp about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your heating could be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also eliminates any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!