When you think about winter, we hope you think about a comfortable evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves 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 other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate 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 heating could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Check 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 can contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also removes any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this 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, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!