When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening in your warm home. 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 rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made 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 discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also smart to make sure it's protected by a section 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 inspect and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out 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 damage to the condenser unit outside could play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Brookwood Inc about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. 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 practical to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the chance to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns off any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. As soon as 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 its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready beforehand, 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!