Ensure Peak Performance with Our Winter HVAC Checklist

When you imagine winter, you hopefully imagine a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty 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 Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash 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 materials can slowly collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any strange noises or can't get 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 doesn't have 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 manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Wallpe Heating & Cooling about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your furnace might be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!