When you imagine winter, ideally you think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from rolling 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 prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Look 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 play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to solve. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!
