When you think about winter, ideally you think about a comfy evening at home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace 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 essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside can worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at True Temp about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can provide the chance to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to fix. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating 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 will be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!