Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a comfortable evening in your warm home. 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 prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few 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 attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Search 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 could play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace 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 HVAC system may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to notice potential problems early, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that might 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 your HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!