When you think of winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally found 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 possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or in line with 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 next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or can't get 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 doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside may worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at MPC Heating & Cooling about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw 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 the middle of winter. If not, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the chance to recognize potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns away any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, 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 spend some time to get your furnace prepared 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. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!