When you think of winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover 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 ensure that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean 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 kinds of debris can slowly build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your HVAC system might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns off any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any 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 make an effort to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!