Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you imagine winter, we hope you imagine a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants 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. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also smart to make sure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine 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 sorts of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your HVAC system might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to fix. This also removes any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these 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 take the time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!