When you think of winter, ideally you imagine a comfortable evening at home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release 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 sticks. It's also a good idea to make sure it's covered up by a piece 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 check and clean out your air filter, customarily found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can steadily accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow more freely, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace 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 a key component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine your blower.

4. Check 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 may worsen all sorts of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, talk to your local technician at May's Heating & Air about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack 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 furnace is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared ahead of time, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!