When you think about winter, ideally you think of a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep 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 prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few 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 on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Search 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 damage to the condenser unit outside could contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. about checking out 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 smart to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to discover potential problems early, while they're still simpler to solve. This also burns off any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your 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 prepped beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!