When you imagine winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Wrap up 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 ensure that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material during 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 placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air 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 integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while 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 strange noises or can't get 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 is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside can worsen all manners of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Mayeuxs AC & Heating about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system transform 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 the middle of winter. Otherwise, your heating may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they're still simpler to fix. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as 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 on its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the all 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 ready for next winter!
