When you think of winter, ideally you think of a cozy evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also smart to make sure 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, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Look 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 damage to the condenser unit outside may worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Premium Air Services LLC about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system turn 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. Otherwise, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns off any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!