When you think of winter, we hope you think of a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
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 close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any odd noises or are not getting 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 play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Mountain Air about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your heating may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping 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!