When you think of winter, we hope you imagine a comfy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also smart to ensure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to examine 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at J & J Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. 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 practical to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still easier to correct. This also eliminates any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. As soon as 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 spend some time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!
