When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover 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 ensure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily 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 continues unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow smoothly, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial 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 rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside could worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Ambience HVAC, Inc. about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your furnace could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can give you the chance to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to solve. This also removes any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping 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 prepared for next winter!