When you imagine winter, you hopefully think of a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Nearby

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

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, talk to your local technician at Fire & Ice HVAC about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system might be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems right away, while they're still easier to fix. This also eliminates any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, 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 make an effort to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter 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 prepared for next winter!