When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a comfortable evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down 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. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel 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 plants or objects. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse 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 materials can steadily collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow more freely, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check 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 could play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small gap 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 heating or cooling is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the chance to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also removes any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!
