When you think of winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared 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 Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Lakeside Heating & Air about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small 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 running properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your furnace might be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to detect potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to fix. This also removes any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having 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 ready for next winter!