When you think about winter, you hopefully imagine a comfy evening curled up by the fire. 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 showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment 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 prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge 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 sticks. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to examine 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may worsen all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems early, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns away any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!