Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a cozy evening in your warm home. 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 stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared 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 Clear the Space Nearby

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate 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 accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or are not 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 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 contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. 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 practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your heating could be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the chance to notice potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to resolve. 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 order, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared in advance, 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 prepped for next winter!