When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready 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 release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of 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 accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to detect potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also removes any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season 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!