When you imagine winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening at home. But sometimes 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 stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Search 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at J.L. Brady Company LLC about examining 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 Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your HVAC system might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to notice potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also eliminates any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once 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 take the time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking 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 ready for next winter!