When you imagine winter, we hope you think of a comfortable evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants 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 Clear the Space Nearby
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check 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 accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract 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 optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Search 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Contra Costa Heating & AC about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw 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 HVAC system is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns away any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any 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 spend some time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!
