Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think of winter, ideally you imagine a comfortable evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

1. Cover 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 clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Look 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can play a role in all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your furnace is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to recognize potential problems early, while they're still easier to correct. This also removes any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, 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 ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!