When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a section 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 inspect and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy 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 vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call 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 may play a role in all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can offer you the chance to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns off any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your 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 take the time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!