When you imagine winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean 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 nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key 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 near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Check 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 could play a role in all manners of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at J.L. Brady Company LLC about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your HVAC system might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!
