Ensure Peak Performance with Our Winter HVAC Checklist

When you think about winter, ideally you think of a comfortable evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure 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 crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack 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 heating or cooling is working properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the chance to notice potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also burns off any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather is going to be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking 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!