Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think about winter, we hope you think of a comfortable 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 poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material during 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, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential 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 brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call 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 could play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Integrity AC & Heating LLC about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your furnace is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your furnace could be unequipped 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 solve. This also removes any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, 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 should be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping 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!