Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think about winter, you hopefully imagine a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable 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 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 make sure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow more freely, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any odd noises or can't get 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 doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Pratt Brothers about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your heating could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to fix. This also burns off any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as 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 is going to be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!