When you imagine winter, ideally you think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Look 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still easier to correct. This also burns away any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!
