When you think about winter, we hope you think about a cozy evening at home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby

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 free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter

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

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Dave's Diversified Services about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the chance to notice potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to correct. This also eliminates any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your 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 spend some time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!