Living in the Tampa area means you get to enjoy beautiful weather year-round. Even during the winter, the temperature tends to stay mild, often ranging in the 60s and 70s throughout the day. But at nighttime, the temperature does sometimes dip into the 50s in the winter. This is why smart homeowners take time to prep their heating systems for these chilly nights.
Swap Out the Filter for a Clean One
It’s easy to forget about filter changes, but they are vital to the heater’s efficiency. Any airflow restriction caused by a clogged filter will affect how the heater performs. The extra energy that it uses to compensate for the blocked airflow will increase your energy bills.
Most filters need a replacement every one to three months during the winter to keep the heater efficient. A clean filter will also improve the home’s air quality by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
Air filters use the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the number, the better the filtration. People with allergies may want to choose a filter with a MERV 11 or 13. For these higher MERV ratings, be sure the filter uses electrostatic filtration. Otherwise, it may restrict airflow.
Tips for choosing the best air filter for your heater:
- Check filter size carefully
- Look at MERV rating
- Choose electrostatic filters
- Consider reusable filter options
- Match filter to lifestyle
- Balance airflow and efficiency
Get Rid of Air Leaks
Air leaks are a major drawback to heating performance. When warm air escapes through gaps around doors and windows, the heater has to work harder. The same happens when cold air seeps in, making the home feel colder. You can seal these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to reduce the load on the heating system.
If you have older ductwork, you may also want to schedule a duct inspection and cleaning. Leaks in the ductwork allow conditioned air to escape. They also allow particulates to enter the ducts and get circulated throughout the home. This can include dust, dirt, and insects. Duct cleaning removes accumulated debris, improving air circulation and air quality.
Clean Dust From Vents and Registers
It’s easy to close a vent and forget to open it back up, especially in rooms that tend to go unused. Dust that builds up over time blocks airflow and hurts the home’s air quality. Keeping the vents clean and open reduces the risk of uneven heating.
Use these tips when cleaning vents to lower the chance of heating problems:
- Turn off the system
- Remove vent covers carefully
- Vacuum dust and debris
- Wipe with damp cloth
- Replace covers securely
Book a Professional Tune-Up
Your heating system requires an annual tune-up, preferably in early or late fall, before the cooler nights arrive. Most maintenance visits take no more than a few hours to perform. They are a vital form of preventive care that lets you rest easy knowing your heater is safe, efficient, and ready for winter. Here are the steps we take during a tune-up to help the heater perform better.
Clean Burners or Heating Elements
The efficiency of your heater will drop when the burners or heating elements are dirty. We’ll clean them using a wire brush or compressed air to remove all grime and buildup, allowing them to function more efficiently. This step is crucial to making sure the system doesn’t produce uneven heating, poor combustion, or strange odors.
Check and Calibrate Thermostat
We understand how vital the thermostat is to the overall functionality of your heating system. We’ll send it through a couple of tests to make sure it doesn’t instruct the heater to turn on and off more than it should. We’ll also check its accuracy; we may recalibrate it if we find any drift from the temperature setting.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Forced-air heaters contain several moving components, including a blower motor, a fan belt, and bearings. Gas furnaces also have additional moving parts, such as valve covers and igniters. Heat pumps use compressors, fan blades, and motors. Keeping these parts lubricated makes a big difference in how the system runs and how long it lasts.
Inspect Heat Exchanger and Safety Controls
There are many types of heating systems that use heat exchangers, including certain heat pumps. Part of the heat exchanger’s job is to keep combustion gases from entering your home’s air supply. If it becomes cracked or damaged, it can create dangerous conditions. Carbon monoxide buildup inside a home can lead to illness and even death. That’s why, during a tune-up, we carefully inspect the heat exchanger for any signs of wear or damage. If we find any, we’ll either repair it or recommend replacing the entire component to keep your system safe.
We’ll also conduct a thorough inspection of all safety controls. This includes limit switches, pressure sensors, and flame sensors. Running each safety feature through a test ensures the system shuts down properly if a malfunction occurs.
Tighten Electrical Connections and Test Voltage
Loose or corroded electrical connections can lead to short cycling and system failures. We’ll inspect all wiring and electrical terminals, tightening any loose connections. If we find corroded parts, we’ll clean or replace them too. We can even conduct voltage testing to ensure the components receive the correct amount of power. This part of maintenance is crucial to preventing outages and reducing fire risks.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Upgrading to a smart thermostat is an easy way to save energy. These devices allow advanced scheduling to automatically reduce heating when no one is home or everyone is asleep. Because they are Wi-Fi-enabled, you can control your heating system from anywhere with an internet connection.
Many smart thermostats have learning algorithms that record your heating habits over time. Using the info they store, they can alter temperature settings to maximize comfort and efficiency. Some models have advanced features, such as geofencing and energy usage monitoring. We can perform the thermostat installation process for you. We’ll set up the programming and make sure you understand how to use it.
How a smart thermostat helps the heater perform better:
- Prevents wasted energy cycles
- Keeps temperatures more consistent
- Reduces strain on equipment
- Adapts to household routines
- Improves long-term system efficiency
Clear Debris From the Outdoor Unit (for Heat Pumps)
Heat pumps are a common type of heating system in Florida. These setups have indoor air handlers connected to an outdoor condenser. However, as time passes, especially during storms and high winds, leaves and twigs can accumulate on the exterior unit. This accumulation blocks airflow and causes performance issues. Clearing away all debris will help the unit operate more efficiently. You’ll also want to trim overhanging branches and nearby shrubs to enhance airflow.
Ahoy! Cooling & Heating is here to answer any questions you may have about prepping your heater for winter. We specialize in heater installations, repairs, and tune-ups. We’re also available for a range of ductwork and indoor air quality services. Call Ahoy! Cooling & Heating today to book a heater tune-up in Temple Terrace.
