Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made 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 Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, normally placed 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 heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow more freely, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.

4. Search 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside can play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Solar Air Inc. about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace could be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to detect potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these 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 prepared ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!