When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a cozy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash 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 materials can gradually build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. 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 can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out 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 may worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Retro HVAC Service & Installation about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your heating could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!