When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a cozy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going 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 wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
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 see to it that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material over 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 located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually build up 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 more freely, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital 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 around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check 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 could play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Rescue Heating & Air about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared 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 prepared ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having 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!