When you think about 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 stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes 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 a Cold Winter
1. Cover up 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 make sure that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also recommended 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. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any odd 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 has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside may worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Desert Husky HVAC/R Services about checking out 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 Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still easier to solve. This also removes any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, 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 on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready in advance, 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 prepared for next winter!