When you think about winter, we hope you imagine a comfy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable 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 Clear 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 clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect 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 grows unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Search 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 could worsen all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to detect potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking 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!