When you think of winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean 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 clean of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also smart to ensure it's covered up by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, customarily located 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 goes unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow easily, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or replace it every couple of 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area next to the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to examine your blower.

4. Check 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside could play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at True Temp Heating & Air Conditioning about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system grow 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 functioning properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your heating might be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your furnace can offer you the opportunity to discover potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working condition, 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 the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, drinking 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!