When you think of winter, ideally you imagine a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers 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. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release 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 objects. It's also a good idea to ensure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from an air 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 vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Search 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 damage to the condenser unit outside could play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Dave's Diversified Services about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace may be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to notice potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also eliminates any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!