When you think about winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening at 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 won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material during 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, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate 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 optimum airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Look 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside can worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Prudhom Mechanical about inspecting 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 practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your heating might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to solve. This also removes any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as 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 will be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready ahead of time, 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 prepared for next winter!