When you think about winter, you hopefully imagine a comfy evening at home. 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 may not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves an unreliable 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. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Nearby

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or rocks. It's also recommended to ensure it's protected by a section of tarp or similar material over the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Rinse or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, usually located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly build up in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow smoothly, sustaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To secure 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 an integral component it can accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any strange noises or aren't getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside could contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, such as heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation about checking out the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. If you don't, your furnace may be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to notice potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to solve. This also burns away any dust that may have piled up in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather should be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!