When you think about winter, you hopefully think about a comfy evening curled up by the fire. 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 furnace and other HVAC equipment 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 ready for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to see to it that the area nearby is clear of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can steadily build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow more freely, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate 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 hear any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace

Make sure that your furnace is free of 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 kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Assured Appliance & Heating & Air about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your heating or cooling is working properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating might be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to notice potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also removes any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace prepped ahead of time, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!