When you think about winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening curled up by the fire. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, 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 created this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

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

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

2. Rinse 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 contaminants can slowly collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Look 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside could worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Custom Air Systems Inc about checking out the system before the temperatures begin to drop. 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 wise to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the chance to notice potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also burns off any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, removing 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 is going to 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, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!