When you imagine winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating 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. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also smart to ensure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow smoothly, sustaining 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 few 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 attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Look 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside can worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to discover potential problems early, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, 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 its 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. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!