When you think of winter, you hopefully imagine a comfortable evening in your warm 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 won't always be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared 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 Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure 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. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub 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 examine your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside can play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Age Heating & Cooling about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also removes any dust that may 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 any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!
