When you think about winter, ideally you imagine a cozy evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your HVAC system from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants 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 up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to make sure that the area close to the unit itself is clear of any yard debris. Clean 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 during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, customarily placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or change 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 essential component it can collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you’re hearing any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, hire a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Check 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 could contribute to all sorts of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is significant damage, speak with your local technician at Just Komfort Heating & Cooling about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight flaw in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your furnace is running properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your furnace may be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can give you the opportunity to detect potential problems early, while they're still easier to resolve. This also burns off any dust that might have piled up in the air ducts over the fall, removing that burnt smell. As soon as 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 should be on its way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace ready ahead of time, you can spend the rest of the season enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!