When you imagine winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash 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 materials can slowly collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at PS Cool Heat about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also burns off any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping 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 prepped for next winter!