When you think of winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Check 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 may contribute to all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Cooler Tymes LLC about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your furnace might be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also removes any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, removing 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 will be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!