When you think about winter, ideally you think about a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then 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 keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials 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 enables air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace 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 a key component it can attract 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 optimal airflow. If you notice any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Haselhoff Air Solutions 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 Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your furnace is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also removes any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!