When you think about winter, ideally you think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up 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 ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Wrap 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 see to it that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look 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 may worsen all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Ilten's about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your furnace might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to detect potential problems right away, while they're still easier to correct. This also burns away any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as 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 should be on its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!