When you think of winter, you hopefully think of a comfortable evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made 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 Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from your 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 essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside can contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Strine's about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your heating might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, 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 make an effort to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking 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!