When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening at home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also a good idea to make sure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material through 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, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Search 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Myers Furnace Company about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system transform into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. As soon as 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 is going to be on its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking 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!