Even though the weather in Florida is usually pleasant throughout the year, you still need to make sure that your HVAC system is ready for winter. It’s impossible to predict everything that could happen during the winter months, and you don’t want to be stuck with a failing furnace if temperatures outside drop unexpectedly. You also need to make sure that your air conditioner is in good shape when you need it again once winter is over. Our team at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating will be happy to assist you and make sure that your HVAC system is ready for this colder season with professional heating maintenance, but here are just some tips and tricks to remember as you prepare.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat
When it comes to getting your HVAC system ready for the winter, the first thing that comes to mind is adjusting your thermostat. Winters in Florida are relatively mild, so you probably won’t need to crank up the heat too much. Instead, slowly raise the temperature little by little as it gets cooler outside. Turning it up too quickly will put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system, which could lead to costly repairs later on.
If you want to keep your home comfortable without raising your energy bills or putting too much strain on your heating and cooling system, keep your thermostat set at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s usually warm enough, especially if your home is well-insulated. If that feels too cold for you, you can raise it a few degrees at a time until you feel comfortable as long as you don’t go higher than around 72 degrees.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Your HVAC system’s air filter should be changed regularly regardless of the time of year. Filters can last anywhere from one month to six months depending on the type of filter you have and the conditions of your home. If you have a small household or live alone, you can probably go a few months without having to change your filter. If you have a larger family or if your house is perpetually messy, you probably need to change it more often. At the very least, you should at least check your filter every month. If it looks dirty, either clean it or replace it. It will help keep your HVAC system working more efficiently while improving your indoor air quality as you spend more time indoors during the winter.
3. Clean Your AC System
Summers in Florida are incredibly hot and humid. Unless you spent a lot of time away from home, you probably ran your air conditioner nonstop. Now that you won’t be needing your AC for the next few months, take some time to clean it so it’s ready for next summer. Clear away any debris that may be on or near your outdoor AC unit, and trim away bushes and other vegetation until there’s at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit. Wipe down the condenser coils, tighten any loose screws around the casing, and cover it with a tarp once you know that you won’t be needing it for a while. If you’re not sure how to clean and maintain your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to call Ahoy! Cooling & Heating for assistance.
4. Check Your Air Ducts
You can’t do a thorough cleaning and inspection of your air ducts by yourself, but you can take a look at them to see if they require any cleaning or other maintenance. You can also dust your air vents and make sure that they aren’t blocked. Wipe dust and dirt from the vents, and rearrange your furniture if it looks like they’re obstructed.
As for more thorough and professional duct cleaning, this should be done at least once every three to five years. If you know it’s been at least that long since someone’s cleaned your ducts, give us a call.
5. Seal Air Leaks
You can lose a lot of warm air from improperly sealed windows and other gaps. Not only will that make your home feel much colder this winter, but it will force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. If you notice drafts coming from your windows even when they are closed, seal them with some weather stripping. This can be purchased from just about any hardware store, so pick some up in the fall or early winter before it starts getting colder outside.
6. Check Your Insulation
Your HVAC system works hand-in-hand with your insulation to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Home insulation in your attic and basement can last for decades, but it does need to be replaced eventually. If you’ve noticed that your home feels colder than it should or that your utility bills are going up, check your insulation. It may need to be replaced, especially if it’s several decades old.
7. Test Your Heating System
Before you turn on your heat for the winter, test your heating system to make sure it’s in good shape. Turn it on for 10 to 15 minutes to see if you notice strange sounds such as thumping or grinding or if there’s a burning smell that doesn’t go away. It’s normal to smell something burning when you turn on your furnace for the first time in months. That is dust that has settled into your ducts burning away, and it should stop after about 10 minutes. If it doesn’t go away or you notice a rotten egg smell, something is wrong with your heating system. Turn it off and call an HVAC contractor for repairs.
8. Schedule an HVAC Tune-up
If you want to make absolutely sure that your HVAC system is in good working order this winter, contact Ahoy! Cooling & Heating to schedule a tune-up. During an HVAC tune-up, a technician will calibrate your thermostat, tighten all electrical connections, lubricate moving parts, test your blower motor, and ensure that your heat exchanger isn’t damaged. Not only will this ensure that your heating system will work properly through the winter, but it will extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and could even catch and fix issues before they turn into costly repairs for you later on.
Call Ahoy! Cooling & Heating for Maintenance and Repairs
Aside from an HVAC tune-up, you should be able to do many of these things on your own. However, if you suspect that your heating and cooling system requires anything more, do not try to fix it yourself. Instead, contact Ahoy! Cooling & Heating for assistance. We are a heating and cooling services company that has been delivering exceptional HVAC services to customers in Tampa and the surrounding areas since 2010. Whether you just want to make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the winter or you need more substantial repairs, our technicians are up to the task.
For more information about our many HVAC services or to schedule repairs or a tune-up for your home, contact Ahoy! Cooling & Heating in Tampa, FL today.
