When you imagine winter, ideally you think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace 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 a key 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 around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any odd noises or aren't getting 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 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 could worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Tri City Fuel & Heating about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight 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 running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to fix. This also burns away any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!
