Use These Tips to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think about winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean 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 nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse 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 steadily build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the 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 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 near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Check 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 manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Solar Air Inc. about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your furnace is working 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 furnace can give you the chance to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to solve. This also removes any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When 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 should be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!