Use These Tips to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think about winter, we hope you think about a cozy 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 stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby

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

2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every few 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 accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Look 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 may contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Southeast Heating & Cooling about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your furnace is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to notice potential problems right away, while they're still easier to solve. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. When 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 the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the 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 prepped for next winter!