When you imagine winter, ideally you think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Wrap up 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 surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily collect 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 smoothly, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Search 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Lakeside Heating & Air about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When 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 heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having 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!
