Ensure Peak Performance with Our Winter HVAC Checklist

When you imagine winter, we hope you imagine a comfortable evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down 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. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered 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 check and clean out your air filter, customarily located 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 might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to examine your blower.

4. Check 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 play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Farris Heating & Air about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If not, your furnace may be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to fix. This also burns off any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!