As winter approaches, many of us will be turning on our heat for the first time in 6 months. Florida’s mild winters mean that when low temperatures do strike, we often find ourselves comically unprepared. However, there’s nothing funny about a malfunctioning heating system in the winter. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your system in shape so it’s there for you when you need it.
Change Your Furnace or Heat Pump Filter
A dirty air filter makes your HVAC system work harder. This not only puts stress on the unit and makes breakdowns more likely, but it also results in higher energy bills for you. To keep your furnace or heat pump healthy and happy, make sure to change its filter at the start of the cold season. For optimum performance, change it again three months after that, or sooner if it gets dirty quickly.
Change Your Home’s Air Filters and Clean the Vents
In addition to changing your system’s filter, changing the air filters in your home will keep the warm air flowing freely. Your air filters should be replaced every three months throughout the year, or more frequently if they get dirty sooner than that. When changing your air filters, it’s a good idea to also clean your air vents. They can collect dust and pet hair, which can also clog up your system. You can clean them simply by vacuuming them off with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
Reduce Your Furnace or Heat Pump’s Workload
Your home’s insulation and susceptibility to drafts have a direct effect on your HVAC system’s ability to keep you comfortable. Insulation keeps the air in your home warm and prevents it from escaping, which lightens the load on your unit. Make sure you have sufficient insulation, particularly in your attic. Drafts can significantly reduce the efficiency of your heating system if left untreated. Check around your windows and doors for drafts, and consider adding weather stripping to reduce them. If you’re not sure how much insulation you need or how to identify where drafts are coming from, a professional from Air Flow Designs can perform an inspection to advise you on ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Check Your Thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is working correctly, then plan how you will set it to help reduce the strain on your HVAC system. It’s a good idea to lower the temperature at night and when everyone is out of the house for work or school. If that sounds like too much to keep up with, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set an energy-saving temperature schedule that you don’t have to think about.
Get an HVAC Inspection
Ideally, you should have your system inspected once before winter and once before summer, so that it is prepared to keep up with your needs in the most extreme temperatures. During an inspection, an experienced professional will clean, calibrate, and optimize your system to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. They’ll be able to identify any parts that need replacing and any issues that might interfere with your comfort needs. This preventative maintenance could save you money by identifying small problems before they become major headaches.
Choose Air Flow Designs for HVAC Winter Maintenance in Florida
Air Flow Designs can help you get your HVAC system ready for the cold months with an HVAC inspection. Our licensed experts will tune your system to ensure that it can do its best when you need it most. We’ll also check your thermostat, change your filters, and advise you on ways to make your home more energy efficient. You can schedule one-time maintenance or sign up for a Protection Plan to save money and enjoy even more benefits.
To get your furnace ready for winter, please call Air Flow Designs and schedule furnace or heat pump maintenance in Jacksonville, Tampa, Haines City or Orlando, Florida today!