Ensure Peak Performance with Our Winter HVAC Checklist

When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a comfortable evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

1. Cover up 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 clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also smart 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. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.

4. Search for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace

Make sure that your furnace doesn't have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside may worsen all sorts of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at GV Heating & Air about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your furnace is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace may be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns away any dust that will often have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!