Florida has the mildest winters in the continental United States, but a cold front will travel through the state from time to time causing freezing or near-freezing temperatures.
This only occurs every few years or so, but if it does happen, you’ll want to ensure your heating system is prepared.
The weather can be unpredictable at times, so it’s important to follow winter HVAC tips even if cold fronts aren’t expected. Keep reading to learn how to check on your heating system before the cold hits.
You should be keeping your HVAC system free of debris year-round. Give your heating system a clean in the fall to boost its performance for winter.
Before cleaning, power off the unit. Use a hand broom to remove any leaf pile-ups and weed growth.
Depending on how much dirt has piled up, you might need to wipe the unit with a damp cloth or clean it with a hose. Don’t be too forceful or you’ll damage the internal parts.
To improve air circulation, you should seasonally clean the air filter and vents. If you haven’t in a while, now is a good time to finish this task.
Change your filters every three months to keep your system working at its best. A fresh filter before winter is a great way to prepare for the cold season.
Once you finish cleaning, power your system back on. Listen carefully for any odd noises that might be a cause for concern.
Keep the system on for a bit. If you hear a banging or rattling sound, this indicates a problem that requires further investigation.
Turning on your heater for the first time when the cold hits is not ideal. If your system isn’t working, you’ll be left in the cold waiting for repairs. This is why this step is so important.
Leave your system on long enough to warm up the entirety of your house. Complete a whole-home walkthrough to check each room for warmth.
Find any vents that are closed and need to be opened. If there are rooms that aren’t warm, they might lack insulation or have obstructed vents.
You’ll be thankful you completed this step when winter weather rolls around.
Even if nothing seems to be amiss during your preparations, the months before winter are a great time to schedule a professional heating system tune-up.
Professionals can catch any hidden areas of concern and help you improve the performance of your system. Tune-ups and HVAC maintenance are essential tools to lengthen the life of your system.
Despite mild winters in Florida, it’s still a good idea to prepare your heating system for winter.
Start by cleaning your unit, checking the air filter and vents, and completing a sound check. Keep the heating system on to ensure it’s capable of heating the whole house.
If you want to schedule a tune-up, or if you find that your system needs repairs, contact us!