When you imagine winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter doesn't want 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 blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Search 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at GV Heating & Air about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your furnace may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!
