When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared 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 Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Search for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside may worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also removes any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!