When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a comfortable evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter
1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also a good idea 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 inspect and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange 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 essential 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 around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.
4. Check for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside can contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Airmax Long Island Inc about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also removes any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. When 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 is going to be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!