When you imagine winter, we hope you think about a comfy evening at home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down 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 Clean the Space Near It

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 plants or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material over 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, usually found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow easily, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or according to 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 once in a while will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Check for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace

Make sure that your furnace is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Dave's Diversified Services about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your heating may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to solve. This also burns away any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.

A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter

Winter weather will be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!