Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think about winter, ideally you think of a cozy evening at home. But once in a while 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 keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or based on 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 now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check 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 may contribute to all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Central Heating & Plumbing about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your heating may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to notice potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to fix. This also eliminates any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any 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 take the time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!