When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a comfortable evening at home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or can't get 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can play a role in all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at James Heating & A/C, Inc about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can offer you the chance to detect potential problems right away, while they're still easier to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!
