Ensure Peak Performance with Our Winter HVAC Checklist

When you think of winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening at home. But once in a while 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 furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered by a bit 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 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 slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change 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 an integral component it can attract 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 rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Search 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 contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Precision Mechanical about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to detect potential problems early, while they're still easier to correct. This also burns away any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!