When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a comfortable evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable 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 Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a piece 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 inspect and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract 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 rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out 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 can contribute to all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Stieferman Heating Company Inc about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system grow 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 functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to discover potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns off any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!