When you think about winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening in your warm 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 won't always be able to stop a blizzard from rolling 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 made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped 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 release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always check and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace 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 enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check your blower.
4. Look 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 could play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This