When you think of winter, we hope you think of a cozy evening in your warm 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 might not be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty 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 Nearby

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It's also a good idea to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it once in a while will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Search 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 could worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, consult your local technician at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your furnace is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your HVAC system could be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to notice potential problems right away, while they're still easier to correct. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, 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 prepped in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!