When you think about winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Cover 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 close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter
Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a whil