Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you imagine winter, ideally you imagine a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped 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 Cold Winter

1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby

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

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract 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 unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Search 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 can worsen all sorts of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Heartland Heating & Cooling about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to solve. This also burns off any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, 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 heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!