When you imagine winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment 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 Winter

1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Around It

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

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential 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 around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any odd 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 has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or damage to the condenser unit outside may worsen all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Precision Mechanical about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your furnace may be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also burns away any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather is going to be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!