Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a comfy evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty 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 Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also smart to ensure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate 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 steadily build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to examine your blower.

4. Check for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace

Make sure that your furnace is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside can play a role in all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Classic Air about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to detect potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to fix. This also burns away any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter

Winter weather is going to be on its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the rest of the season 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 prepped for next winter!