When you think of winter, we hope you think of a cozy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse 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 kinds of debris can slowly collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out 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 may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at E.B. Air about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating might be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your 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 beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!