As winter approaches, many of us prepare to turn on our heat for the first time in six months. While Florida’s mild winters are generally forgiving, when low temperatures do strike, we often find ourselves unprepared.
There is nothing funny about a malfunctioning heating system when a cold front hits. Because most Florida homes rely on heat pumps (which cool in the summer and heat in the winter), your system works hard year-round. Fortunately, with a little winter AC maintenance, you can ensure your system is ready to keep you warm when you need it most.
Here are five simple steps to keep your HVAC system in top shape this season.
1. Change Your Air Filters
A dirty air filter forces your HVAC system to work much harder than necessary. This not only puts stress on the unit—increasing the likelihood of a breakdown—but it also drives up your energy bills.
To keep your heat pump or furnace healthy, make filter replacement a priority during your winter AC maintenance routine.
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Best Practice: Change the filter at the start of the cold season.
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Frequency: Check it monthly. For optimum performance, replace it at least every three months, or sooner if you have pets or allergies.
2. Clean Your Supply Vents
In addition to changing the internal filter, you need to ensure warm air can flow freely into your rooms. Over time, air vents collect dust, pet hair, and debris, which can restrict airflow and lower your indoor air quality.
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The Fix: When changing your filters, take a moment to vacuum your air vents using the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. This simple step helps prevent system clogging and keeps the air fresh.
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3. Reduce Your System’s Workload
Your home’s insulation and susceptibility to drafts directly impact your HVAC system’s ability to keep you comfortable. If your heat keeps escaping, your unit has to run constantly to catch up.
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Check Insulation: Ensure you have sufficient insulation, particularly in your attic, to keep the warm air inside.
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Seal Drafts: Check around windows and doors for drafts. Adding weather stripping is an affordable DIY fix that can significantly improve efficiency.
- Replace/Reseal Your Ductwork: Winter is the ideal time to have your ducts resealed or replaced. Florida attics become dangerously hot during the summer, making extensive ductwork difficult to perform efficiently. Take advantage of the cooler weather to address air leaks now.
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Professional Help: If you aren’t sure where you are losing heat, Air Flow Designs can perform an inspection to identify where your home can be made more energy-efficient.
4. Upgrade and Check Your Thermostat
Before the cold sets in, verify that your thermostat is communicating correctly with your heating unit. Now is also the perfect time to optimize your settings.
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Optimize: Lower the temperature at night or when the house is empty to reduce strain on the system.
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Upgrade: If manual adjustments sound tedious, consider upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat. These devices allow you to set an automated energy-saving schedule so you never have to think about it.
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5. Schedule Professional Winter AC Maintenance
Ideally, your system should be inspected twice a year: once before the summer heat and once before the winter chill.
During a professional inspection, an experienced technician will clean, calibrate, and optimize your system. They will identify worn-out parts or potential safety issues before they turn into expensive emergency repairs. This preventative winter AC maintenance is the best way to save money and ensure peace of mind.
Choose Air Flow Designs for HVAC Maintenance in Florida
Don’t wait until the first freeze to think about your heating system. Air Flow Designs is here to help you prepare for the cold months. Our licensed experts will tune your system to ensure it performs its best when you need it most. We inspect your thermostat, check your filters, and ensure your heat pump is reversing correctly.
Ready to get started? You can schedule a one-time tune-up or sign up for our maintenance plans and enjoy priority service.
To get your home ready for winter, schedule your winter AC maintenance online or call us today!
