When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. 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 won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system 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 ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold 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 see to it 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 sticks. It's also smart to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material over 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, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Search for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside can play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. about inspecting 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 Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also eliminates any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, 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 make an effort to get your furnace prepped in advance, 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 prepared for next winter!