When you think about winter, we hope you think about a cozy evening at home. But once in a while winter doesn't feel like going along with our plans, and we're left shivering in our own homes. You won't always be able to prevent a blizzard from showing up, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being unprepared for winter. Nobody likes or deserves an unreliable furnace, which is why we made this checklist for getting your HVAC system prepped for winter.

Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Cold Winter

1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clean the Space Near It

Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to dispel heat, you'll want to see to it that the area surrounding it is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any plants or rocks. It's also recommended to make sure it's protected 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 inspect and clean out your air filter, normally placed in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can slowly accumulate in the air filter. If it continues unchecked, your heating could lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality high. To get the most benefit from an air filter, make sure to clean or exchange it every couple of 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 accumulate a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for more efficient airflow. If you notice any odd noises or are not getting any circulation from the vents, call a professional technician to check your blower.

4. Check for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace

Make sure that your furnace is free of visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or a large dent in the condenser unit outside may play a role in all kinds of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is obvious damage, talk to your local technician at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc about examining the system before the temperatures begin to drop. This way you can avoid letting a small crack in the system turn into a major problem.

5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold

It's always smart to make sure your HVAC system is working properly before its busiest season. Otherwise, your HVAC system might be unequipped for the first real drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your furnace can provide the opportunity to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still more straightforward to fix. This also removes any dust that will often have accumulated in the air ducts over the fall, eliminating that burnt smell. Once your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from these 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 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 prepped for next winter!