When you imagine winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening at home. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes 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 a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean 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 has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. 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 wise to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your heating could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the chance to notice potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to fix. This also burns off any dust that may 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 your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!