When you think of winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening in your warm 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 prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's protected by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow smoothly, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call 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 contribute to all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at H & H Service Company about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system turn 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 functioning properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your furnace could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can give you the chance to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to solve. This also burns away any dust that might have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as 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 should be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!