When you think about winter, we hope you imagine a comfy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty 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 Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's protected by a section 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, normally 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 furnace might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect 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 brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Look 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 play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Watts Electric & AC about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small gap 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 furnace is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this 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, having 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!