Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty 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. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby

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

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow smoothly, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect 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 brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. 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 Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace might be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to detect potential problems early, while they're still simpler to solve. This also removes any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather should be on its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!