When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a comfy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also smart 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. Rinse 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 steadily build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital 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 clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine 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 worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Mechanical Air Systems Co about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace may be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to fix. This also removes any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having 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!