When you think about winter, ideally you imagine a comfy evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to stop a blizzard from showing up, 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 made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast

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 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 recommended to ensure it's covered by a piece 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 check and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other kinds of debris can gradually accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your HVAC system can lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter helps air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help maintain strong performance. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Search 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 play a role in all manners of comfort problems, including heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, consult your local technician at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a minor crack in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your HVAC system may be unprepared for the first significant drop in temperatures. Doing a test run of your furnace can offer you the chance to notice potential problems early, while they're still simpler to solve. This also burns off any dust that will often have gathered in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working order, you can sled away from any 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 make an effort to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or hanging out with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!