When you imagine winter, ideally you imagine a comfortable evening curled up by the fire. But every now and then winter decides not to go along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You may not be able to keep a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves a faulty 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. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Around It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to ensure that the area nearby is clean of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or sticks. It's also smart to make sure it's covered by a bit of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other debris from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always check 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 collect in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your furnace can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter enables air to flow smoothly, sustaining good ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from your filter, make sure to clean or replace it every few months or based on manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as a key component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help it continue working at its best. Vacuum the area around the blower and rub the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any odd noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, call 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 could play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it moves into your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, speak with your local technician at Central Heating & Plumbing about examining the system before the temperatures start falling. This way you can avoid letting a small gap in the system grow into a major problem.

5. Test Your Furnace Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always wise to make sure your furnace is running properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your HVAC system could be unequipped for the first significant drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to recognize potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to correct. This also burns away any dust that may have gathered in the air ducts beforehand, eliminating that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.

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

Winter weather is going to be on its way before you know it. If you spend some time to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or spending time with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Be sure to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!