When you think about winter, ideally you think about a cozy evening in your warm home. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to keep a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we created this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Cover Your Outdoor Unit and Clear 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 vegetation or objects. It's also recommended to make sure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and anything else from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always evaluate and clean out your air filter, normally found in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily build up in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your furnace could lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A clean air filter enables air to flow easily, maintaining adequate ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality healthy. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every few 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 collect a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area near the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you hear any unusual noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Look 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 flaws in the condenser unit outside may contribute to all manners of comfort problems, such as heat escaping before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Verona HVAC about inspecting the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a slight crack in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Equipment Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. If not, your heating might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can provide the opportunity to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to fix. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. As soon as your furnace is in working shape, you can sled away from these HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather should be on the way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Remember to follow the tips above to get your home prepared for next winter!