When you think about winter, we hope you think of a comfortable evening at 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 stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody prefers or deserves a faulty 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 Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to release heat, you'll want to ensure that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a section of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow easily, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or replace it every two or three months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check out your blower.

4. Look 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 can play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, consult your local technician at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a small flaw in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. If not, your furnace might be unprepared for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems early, while they're still more straightforward to resolve. This also eliminates any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready beforehand, 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 prepped for next winter!