When you imagine winter, ideally you imagine a comfortable evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Search 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 escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to notice potential problems early, while they're still simpler to fix. This also burns away any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be on its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready 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!
