When you think about winter, you hopefully think about a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash 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 kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may contribute to all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace might be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to discover potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns away any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared 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 ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!