When you think of winter, you hopefully think about a comfortable evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover 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 ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or based on 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 around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Check 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may contribute to all manners of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at GLR Mechanical about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. 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 wise to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. As soon as 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 is going to be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!