Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think about winter, ideally you think of a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared 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 Clear the Space Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material over 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 contaminants can slowly collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of 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 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 optimum airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or aren't getting 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 doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside may play a role in all manners of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Integrity AC & Heating LLC about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to solve. This also burns off any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!