When you think of winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
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 nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a bit 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 check and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract 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 optimal airflow. If you notice any odd noises or aren't getting 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 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 kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Western Mechanical, Inc. about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack 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 HVAC system is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace may be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to solve. This also burns away any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!