When you think about winter, we hope you imagine a comfy evening curled up by the fire. 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 prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Wrap up 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 ensure that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to examine 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 can worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating 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 might be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your 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 take the time to get your furnace prepped 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!
