When you imagine winter, ideally you imagine a comfortable evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn’t want to go along with our plans, and we’re left shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to stop a blizzard from blowing through, but you can prevent your heating from being ill prepared for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a broken-down furnace, which is why we created 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 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 nearby is free of any yard debris. Clean 5 feet of space or so from any vegetation or sticks. It’s also a good idea to make sure it’s protected by a piece of tarp or similar material during the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.

2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter

Always inspect and clean out your air filter, usually placed in your furnace’s indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other materials can steadily collect in the air filter. If it grows unchecked, your heating can lose efficiency and maybe even become a fire hazard. A fresh air filter allows air to flow smoothly, maintaining 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 couple of months or in line with manufacturer instructions.

3. Clean the Blower

The blower is vital to your Lennox furnace, and as an essential component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it on occasion will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area around the blower and clean the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimal airflow. If you’re hearing any odd 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 doesn’t have visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside can play a role in all sorts of comfort problems, like heat leaking out before it makes it to your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Bell Mechanical Services about checking out 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 practical to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly before its busiest season. If you don’t, your HVAC system might be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Conducting a test run of your heating can give you the opportunity to recognize potential problems right away, while they’re still easier to solve. This also eliminates any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. Once 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 is going to be heading this way before you know it. If you take the time to get your furnace prepped in advance, you can spend the all winter enjoying the holidays, sipping hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don’t forget to follow the tips above to get your home prepped for next winter!