When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter decides not 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 heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter helps air to flow smoothly, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may worsen all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. 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 practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the chance to discover potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once 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 will be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!