When you think of winter, you hopefully imagine a comfortable evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 vegetation 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 anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash 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 materials can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look 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, such as heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at SKC AC LLC about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your heating could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can give you the chance to recognize potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these 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 spend some 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. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!