When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a cozy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling 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 prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean 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 kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around 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, get a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace is free of 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 manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Bishop’s HVAC about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still easier to correct. This also eliminates any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped 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 ready for next winter!