When you think about winter, ideally you think of a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else 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 steadily build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow easily, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Search 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can worsen all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Northern Comfort Inc about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw 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 its busiest season. If you don't, your heating could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to fix. This also removes any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once 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 its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready 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. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!
