When you think of winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers 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 Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually 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 goes unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or based on 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 now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at J & J Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your heating could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they're still easier to solve. This also eliminates any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!