As the holidays approach, you do not want an HVAC system that acts up when you are hosting guests and trying to enjoy the season. A quick end-of-year check-up can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, keep your energy bills under control, and ensure your home stays comfortable for everyone. Our team at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating helps you prepare your system so it performs efficiently all season long.
1. Schedule a Professional Heating Maintenance
Since you probably have not run your heater in a while, scheduling a professional inspection is the best way to prevent surprises. Our team provides thorough heating maintenance in Tampa. This includes checking your system’s critical components and ensuring everything operates as efficiently as possible.
Identify Small Problems Before They Become Big
During a maintenance visit, we examine filters, fans, ducts, electrical connections, and other essential parts. Catching small issues early, like a frayed fan belt, can save both money and stress. Making sure airflow and system function are optimal keeps your home cozy without overworking your HVAC system.
Extend the Life of Your System
A well-maintained heating system can last 15 years or more. Regular check-ups can help your system last longer by keeping all the important components in good shape. For instance, we lubricate all your system’s moving parts to reduce friction. If you have a furnace, we also ensure it burns fuel cleanly, reducing wear on the combustion system.
2. Check and Replace Air Filters
Air filters play a big role in keeping your system running smoothly and your indoor air clean. Build-up reduces their effectiveness at capturing dust and other allergens. Experts recommend replacing your air filter at least every three months. However, you may need to swap yours out more often. Factors like how many people live in your household and if you have pets can clog filters faster. Many homeowners check their filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time for a fresh one.
Save on Energy Bills
Clean filters help your system run more efficiently. Even small improvements in airflow make a noticeable difference in both comfort and how much you spend on utility bills.
Consider Upgrading Your Air Filter
If you want cleaner indoor air, upgrading to a filter with a higher MERV rating can make a noticeable difference. Most residential HVAC systems can safely handle filters rated between MERV 8 and MERV 13. They capture far more dust, pollen, pet dander, and fine airborne particles than lower-grade options. Higher MERV filters also help reduce odors and airborne irritants, creating a healthier environment during the busy holiday season. Just be sure to choose a filter your system can handle. Overly restrictive filters can strain your system. If you are unsure what type of filter to use, our technicians can make a recommendation.
3. Inspect and Maintain Cooling Systems
Even during winter, Florida temperatures tend to be all over the place. Many homeowners run their AC units intermittently, especially during stretches of unseasonably humid and hot weather. An end-of-year cooling system check ensures you are ready for fluctuating temperatures. Our team can tune up your cooling system to make sure it’s ready for the stress of occasional use.
Protect Against Seasonal Fluctuations
Our professionals test your system under multiple conditions. This makes sure you have consistent comfort while avoiding unnecessary system strain. A well-calibrated HVAC system adjusts automatically, so you won’t need to tweak settings when the weather changes constantly.
Optimize Performance
Checking refrigerant levels, calibrating thermostats, and confirming your outdoor condenser is working properly help your system deliver reliable performance. We will also ensure your zoning system is functioning properly. Our technicians verify damper operation and airflow so your home maintains steady, controlled temperatures. Having simple adjustments performed now saves you energy, reduces wear on equipment, and heads off the breakdowns that might disrupt your holidays.
Keep Outdoor Units Clear
Even during cooler months, leaves, branches, and debris can block airflow around outdoor units. Clear at least two feet of space around your outdoor unit. Not only does this improve your system’s efficiency, but it also prevents the chance of the condenser overheating. This can extend the life of your system.
4. Repair and Clean Your Ductwork
Leaky ducts or blocked vents cause efficiency problems and create uneven temperatures. In addition to seasonal tune-ups, our team can inspect your ductwork and repair any gaps we find. We also make sure all vents are unobstructed to maintain consistent comfort throughout your home. Proper airflow prevents your system from overworking and keeps energy bills lower.
Enhance Comfort in Every Room
Sealed ducts distribute air evenly, helping you avoid hot or cold spots in your home. The thermostat won’t need constant adjustment, and your system won’t cycle on and off excessively. In addition, you could be losing up to 20% of your conditioned air through faults and ductwork. Ductwork repair can help you save significantly on heating and cooling costs.
Prevent Air Quality Issues
Dirty ducts can significantly reduce the indoor air quality in your home and even cause unpleasant odors. During ductwork cleaning, our technicians use brushes and commercial-grade vacuums to remove the debris from your ducts. We recommend duct cleaning every three to five years to keep your forced-air system in good condition.
5. End-of-Year Safety Checks
Safety comes first in everything we do. Our team tests all your HVAC system’s safety features during our visit. This includes high-limit switches in furnaces to ensure they shut down when they overheat. For air conditioners and heat pumps, we check the pressure sensors. This feature shuts down your unit when the refrigerant pressure exceeds a safe limit. Addressing any issues with these features before the holiday season keeps your home safe and gives you peace of mind while hosting guests.
6. Extra Tips to Maximize Comfort and Efficiency
Aside from scheduling professional maintenance, several simple habits can help your HVAC system run more efficiently throughout the winter. Start by making sure vents are fully open and unobstructed. Closing them can actually increase pressure in the ducts and strain your system.
Using ceiling fans on a low, clockwise setting helps push warm air downward, which evens out temperatures in rooms with high ceilings. Additionally, smart thermostats are especially useful during the holidays. They allow you to create energy-saving schedules when you’re away from home or busy hosting guests.
It’s also a good idea to check the insulation around your doors and windows since even small drafts can force your heating or cooling system to work harder. Finally, keep furniture, rugs, and curtains clear of supply and return vents so air can circulate freely and maintain consistent comfort in every room.
Get Your HVAC System Ready for the Holidays
Scheduling an end-of-year HVAC check-up with Ahoy! Cooling & Heating keeps your system reliable and efficient throughout the holidays. We have over 15 years of experience serving the Tampa area. Our team knows how to keep your system running smoothly and prevent unexpected issues during the busiest time of the year. Contact us today to book your appointment and enjoy a worry-free holiday season.
