When you imagine winter, ideally you think about a comfy evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being unprepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

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

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 free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter helps air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change it every couple of months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is crucial to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area around 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 check 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may worsen all manners of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning about inspecting the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always practical to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your heating may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also burns off any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from any 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 take the time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!