When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a cozy evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check 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 contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at CNR Air Conditioning Inc about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your furnace could be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to solve. This also removes any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!