Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a cozy evening at home. 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 might not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared 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 ensure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also a good idea to ensure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse 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 gradually collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow easily, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion 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, get a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace

Make sure that your furnace has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside can contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can offer you the chance to notice potential problems early, while they're still simpler to fix. This also burns away any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, 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-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 ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!