When you think of winter, we hope you think of a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left 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 unprepared for winter. Nobody likes 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 Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material over 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 located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or can't get 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could worsen all kinds 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 Superior Comfort Systems about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns away any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once 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 will be on its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!
