Use These Tips to Prep Your HVAC System for Winter

When you think of winter, you hopefully think of a comfortable evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge 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 plants or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Check 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Arizona Comfort Systems about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your furnace might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still simpler to correct. This also burns away any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the all 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!