When you imagine winter, ideally you imagine a comfortable evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a piece 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, 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 grows unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial 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 keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can contribute to all manners of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Just Komfort Heating & Cooling about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. 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 running properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still easier to solve. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!
