When you think of winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening in your warm home. But sometimes winter decides not 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 HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around 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 clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash 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 materials can gradually build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow smoothly, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you notice any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Check 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 damage to the condenser unit outside can play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small 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 heating or cooling is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once 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 will be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!