When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a comfy evening at home. But once in a while 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 rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material during 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, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Check 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 play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Brandywine Heating & Air about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system turn into a major problem.
5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to notice potential problems early, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!