Just because it doesn’t usually snow in Florida doesn’t mean it doesn’t get cold. Some winter nights, the temperatures dip into the 40s or even 30s. Keeping your heater running efficiently is a crucial part of staying comfortable during the chillier weather. Here’s how to do it.
Check and Change the Air Filter
Check the filter. If the filter is dirty or you are unable to see through it when it’s held to the light, replace it with a new one. Heaters need clean filters to operate with optimal efficiency. The filter also affects the home’s air quality by trapping dust and other particles. With a new one in place, you’ll enjoy cleaner air and more reliable heating.
When replacing the filter, make sure you’re using the right type. Incompatible filters can lead to restricted airflow and overheating, which makes the heater use more energy. Filters on gas furnaces are usually located in the return air duct or blower compartment. For electric heaters, the filter is typically found behind the front panel or near the intake grille. Most filters need a replacement every one to three months.
Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Any gaps in the frames or seals around your doors and windows will cause drafts. This not only makes the home uncomfortable in certain spots but also hurts the heater’s efficiency. As it attempts to maintain the set temperature, your furnace will cycle more often, wearing out its parts faster. Fixing air leaks with weatherstripping is one of the easiest ways to help your heater last longer and perform more effectively. Using a lit candle can help you check for drafts and make sure no air is leaking in.
Keep All Supply and Return Vents Clean and Open
About every four weeks, walk through your home. Clean all vents and open any that were accidentally left closed. Closed vents will create uneven heating, add stress to the heater and cause discomfort. Wiping the vents down removes dust and dirt buildup that leads to airflow and air quality issues.
Use Ceiling Fans in Reverse to Circulate Warm Air
A lot of people don’t recognize the full potential of using ceiling fans to improve HVAC efficiency. During the warmer parts of the year, fans should rotate in a counterclockwise motion; this pushes cool air downward, creating a breeze and wind chill effect. But during the winter, the fans need to rotate in the opposite direction. The clockwise rotation produces an updraft, helping the warm air near the ceiling circulate back down to living spaces. Switching the fan rotation is easy — just flip the small switch on the fan’s motor housing.
Add Extra Insulation to Attics, Walls and Crawl Spaces
These parts of the home are common culprits for heat loss and drafts. Adding extra insulation will help keep warmth in where it belongs during the winter. You can book a home energy audit to see which parts need additional insulation.
Best types of insulation for homes in Florida:
- Spray foam insulation (open-cell or closed-cell)
- Fiberglass insulation (batts, rolls, or loose-fill)
- Cellulose insulation (blown-in)
- Mineral wool / rock wool insulation
- Rigid foam board insulation (polyiso, EPS, XPS)
- Radiant barrier insulation
Open Curtains During the Day for Free Solar Warmth
The warmer temperatures throughout the day create free solar warmth that you can harvest by leaving your curtains open. This is especially important for any south- or west-facing windows since they get the most direct sunlight. By using natural warmth to keep your home warmer, the heater will not have to work as hard. This does much more than improve its efficiency: It also reduces energy costs and extends the life of the system.
Close Curtains at Night to Help Retain Indoor Heat
Once nighttime rolls around, you’ll want to close all the curtains. This helps trap the heat inside. Using thermal or insulated-style curtains is a great way to boost the heater’s efficiency even more. These styles have special linings that reduce heat loss through the glass.
Run Heat-Generating Appliances During Cooler Times of Day
If possible, create a routine where you run your heat-generating appliances during the colder parts of the day or evening. The heat created by these devices will help the air feel warmer. You might even find yourself being able to adjust the thermostat lower.
Neat ways to run heat-generating appliances at night when it’s colder include:
- Running the dishwasher after dinner cleanup
- Baking in the evening or at night to release oven heat
- Drying laundry during the late evening hours
- Using the slow cooker for overnight meals
Install a Whole-Home Humidifier
Adding a whole-home humidifier helps prevent dry air issues and retain heat more effectively. This type of setup connects right to the heater to deliver balanced moisture every time it drops below the recommended indoor humidity level, which is typically around 30%-40%. With the right amount of moisture in the air, your home will feel warmer. This means the heater won’t have to cycle as often. The extra humidity is also good for wood furnishings and indoor air quality.
Consider Upgrading the Home With HVAC Zoning
HVAC zoning provides heat to certain zones instead of the whole home. You can design it any way you want, such as separating bedrooms from living areas. Or maybe you have a two-story home that heats unevenly. With zoning, you can adjust temperatures independently on each floor with no need for constant thermostat battles. The heater won’t run as often since it only conditions the areas in use, making it much more efficient.
Here’s a closer look at how HVAC zoning improves the performance and energy use of your heater:
- Delivers heat only where needed
- Reduces wasted energy in unused rooms
- Improves comfort across multiple zones
- Lowers utility bills year-round
- Extends lifespan of heating system
- Balances temperatures in two-story homes
Replace Outdated Heating Systems
Most heating systems last about 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance and use. If your system is nearing its expected lifespan, it might be time for an upgrade. Many modern configurations offer excellent energy efficiency. Take a heat pump with a variable-speed blower, for example. This type adjusts its output automatically, giving you flexibility to both heat and cool your home affordably and reliably year-round.
Book Annual Inspection and Maintenance
Don’t skip annual heater inspections and tune-ups. The sooner you catch problems in their earliest stages, the less expensive they are to fix. Plus, fixing issues promptly can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns. During maintenance, we’ll clean the whole heater and lubricate moving parts. These steps help the unit run more efficiently and last longer.
Ahoy! Cooling & Heating is here to answer any questions you have about heating in Florida. We offer a wide range of HVAC support, including installation, repairs and maintenance.
Call Ahoy! Cooling & Heating now to book an expert heater tune-up in Temple Terrace, FL.
