When you think of winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
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 vegetation or rocks. It's also smart to make sure 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. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract 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 strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Check for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Ameri-Tec about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!