Ensure Peak Performance with Our Winter HVAC Checklist

When you think of winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready 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 release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material over 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, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any strange noises or are not getting 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 doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside can contribute to all manners of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw 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 running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating could be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to correct. This also removes any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. Once 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 is going to be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!