When you imagine winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any odd 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your heating may be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, 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 heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!