Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think of winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down 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 up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally placed 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 HVAC system might lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow smoothly, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every few 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 accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any unusual 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 has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside could play a role in all manners of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Age Heating & Cooling about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your heating might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to recognize potential problems early, while they're still easier to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as 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 is going to be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!