When you think of winter, ideally you think about a comfy 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 prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared 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. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near 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 clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up 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 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 gradually build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any strange noises or can't get 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 doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside could play a role in all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Halverson Brothers Inc about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is working 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 right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also removes any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!
