When you think about winter, we hope you think of a cozy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Cover up 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 see to it that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine 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 damage to the condenser unit outside may contribute to all kinds of comfort problems, like heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc about inspecting the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor gap in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can offer you the opportunity to notice potential problems early, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns away any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working order, 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 heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!