When you imagine winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants 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 Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the 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 essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Heartland Heating & Cooling about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your heating may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also burns away any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!