When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a comfortable evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean 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 surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also smart to ensure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get 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 worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Brookwood Inc about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. 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 smart to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your furnace may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they're still simpler to correct. This also removes any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. Once 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 its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!
