When you think about winter, we hope you imagine a cozy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves an unreliable 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. Cover up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to make sure that the area nearby is clean 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 by a section of tarp or similar material during 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 located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows 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 exchange it every few months or according to 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 keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to examine 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 a large dent in the condenser unit outside may worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small crack 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 not, your heating could be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can provide the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to solve. This also burns off any dust that might have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, removing that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

A Well-Prepared 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 ready in advance, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!