When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a comfortable evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared 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 Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also smart to ensure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally found 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 goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check 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 damage to the condenser unit outside may contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the chance to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained 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 prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!