When you think about winter, we hope you think about a comfy evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to keep a blizzard from blowing through, 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 made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepared 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 close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any plants or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's covered up by a piece of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily build up in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or can't get 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 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 could contribute to all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Covington Air Systems about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a minor flaw in the system transform into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is running properly before the middle of winter. If you don't, your furnace may be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the chance to discover potential problems right away, while they're still simpler to solve. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather should be heading this way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!