When you think about winter, you hopefully think about a comfortable evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover 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 ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a piece 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 check and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then 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 odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check 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 can play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc about examining 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 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 might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to notice potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the winter 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 ready for next winter!