When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a comfy evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left 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 poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. 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 other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect 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 steadily build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the 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 integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace has no 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 sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Point Heating & Cooling about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your HVAC system might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also burns away any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. As soon as 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 should be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!