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 every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready 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 dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also smart to ensure it's covered by a piece 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 check and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't 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 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 worsen all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Controlled Comfort HVAC about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also burns off any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your 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 take the time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!