Ensure Peak Performance with Our Winter HVAC Checklist

When you imagine winter, we hope you imagine a comfy evening at home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also recommended to make sure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean 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 kinds of debris can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your 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 crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate 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 clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check 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 can worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Forster Heating about inspecting 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 Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system might be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can offer you the chance to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having 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!