When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a comfy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn’t feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won’t always be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants 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 Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean 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 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 recommended to make sure it’s covered by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace’s indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or according to 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 it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside can worsen all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It’s always practical to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don’t, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they’re still more straightforward to fix. This also removes any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any 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 spend some time to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping 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!