When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential 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 rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. 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 practical to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems early, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also burns off any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, 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 prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!