When you think of winter, you hopefully think of a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always 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 prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

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

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every few months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Look 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 could play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Mountain Air about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before the middle of winter. If not, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still easier to correct. This also removes any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather is going to be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!