When you think about winter, you hopefully imagine a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush 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, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Search 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. If not, your HVAC system could 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 right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also removes any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these 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 take the time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!
