Your HVAC Checklist For Winter
When you imagine winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter doesn’t feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.
Five Ways To Prepare Your HVAC For A Winter Blast
- Wrap 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 ensure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It’s also recommended to make sure it’s covered by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.
- Wash 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 kinds of debris can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.
- Clean the Blower: The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or aren’t getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.
- 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 damage to the condenser unit outside may play a role in all manners of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Tokay Heating & Air about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system turn into a major problem.
- Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold: It’s always smart to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don’t, your furnace could be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to notice potential problems early, while they’re still easier to solve. This also eliminates any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Maintained Furnace Is A Great Way To Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don’t forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!
