When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want 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 furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also smart to ensure 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. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining adequate 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 according to 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 near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient 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. Look 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 damage to the condenser unit outside may play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Select Comfort Systems about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the chance to notice potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns off any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once 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 is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready ahead of time, 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. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!
