Ensure Peak Performance with Our Winter HVAC Checklist

When you imagine winter, ideally you think of a comfortable evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared 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 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 clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or objects. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can 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 higher. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside can play a role in all manners of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at James Heating & A/C, Inc about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw 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 furnace is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating may be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to resolve. This also burns off any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any 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 spend some time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the rest of the season 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!