When you think about winter, we hope you imagine a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped 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 make sure that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash 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 contaminants can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check 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 may worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Patterson & Stirling about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw 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 HVAC system is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also burns away any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!
