When you imagine winter, ideally you think of a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes 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 blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else 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 gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Ambience HVAC, Inc. about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. 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 wise to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your furnace could be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to detect potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also removes any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your 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 winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!