When you imagine winter, you hopefully think about a comfortable evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Cover 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 ensure that the area surrounding it is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a section 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 evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Air Service Co. about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If not, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems early, while they're still easier to correct. This also eliminates any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, removing that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!