When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a comfortable evening in your warm home. But every now and then 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 stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash 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 materials can gradually build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or based on 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 on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Scott Temperature about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns away any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. Once 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 spend some time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!