When you think of winter, we hope you imagine a comfortable evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready 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 make sure that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace 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 essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you notice any odd noises or are not getting 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 can contribute to all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small gap 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 running properly before the middle of winter. If not, your heating could be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to notice potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also removes any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once 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 is going to be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the all 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 ready for next winter!