Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think about winter, we hope you think of a cozy evening at home. But sometimes 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 HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

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 ensure that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure 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. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow easily, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract 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 optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out 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 can contribute to all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at 249 Air about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating might be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can give you the chance to discover potential problems early, while they're still easier to correct. This also eliminates any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working shape, 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 on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter 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 prepped for next winter!