When you think of winter, you hopefully think about a comfy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers 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 Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material over 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, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Check 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside can worsen all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also removes any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!