When you think of winter, you hopefully think about a cozy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating 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 prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up 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 ensure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered 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 inspect and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate 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 brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside can worsen all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Kilbourne Heating & AC about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. 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 practical to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to notice potential problems early, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!