Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think of winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants 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 Cold Winter

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

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel 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 by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any strange noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine your blower.

4. Check 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 may contribute to all manners of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at ACE Solutions about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap 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 heating or cooling is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to fix. This also burns away any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your 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 take the time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!