When you think of winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear 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 doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside may worsen all manners of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Controlled Comfort HVAC about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace may be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, 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 take the time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping 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 prepared for next winter!
