When you think of winter, you hopefully imagine a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling 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 Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also smart to ensure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change 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 integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or can't get 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 contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Knoechel Heating about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If not, your furnace might be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, 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 make an effort to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the 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!