When you think of winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created 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 Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area close to the unit itself is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also smart to ensure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily found 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 grows unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining adequate 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 according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Look 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 manners of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Aggressive Mechanical about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your furnace is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to fix. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.

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

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