When you think about winter, you hopefully think of a comfortable evening in your warm home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're stuck shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It

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

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Always check and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your HVAC system might lose efficiency and possibly even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow more freely, maintaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every two or three months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you’re hearing any unusual noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get 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 may worsen all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning about checking out the system before the temperatures start dropping. 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 practical to make sure your heating or cooling is functioning properly before its busiest season. If not, your heating could be unequipped for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can offer you the chance to discover potential problems right away, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also eliminates any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from any HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather will be on the way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace prepared beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, drinking hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!