When you think of winter, we hope you think of a cozy evening curled up by the fire. 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 blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure 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 sticks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up 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 evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few 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 once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside can worsen all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating 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 furnace could be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to solve. This also burns away any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. When 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 should be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!