When you think about winter, we hope you think about a comfortable evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material during 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 materials can slowly build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial 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 near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check 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 may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace could be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns off any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, 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 on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!