When you imagine winter, ideally you think of 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 stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment 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 prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also smart to make sure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily found 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 goes unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining good 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 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 it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any strange noises or are not getting 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 is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside could worsen all manners of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Marios Air Conditioning about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small 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 HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to solve. This also removes any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. When 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 on its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!