Florida may have milder winters than many other states, but that doesn’t mean homeowners don’t have to think about HVAC maintenance. Not only does it improve efficiency, but it also helps keep a cozy indoor environment during the winter. Here are four essential pieces of advice for Floridians who want to keep their heaters in good working order all winter long.
1. Replace the Heater’s Air Filter
There are a number of filter types used by home heating systems. These include HEPA, fiberglass and pleated filters. How often you need to replace your filters is system- and filter-specific. Fiberglass filters usually require changing once every 30 to 90 days. Pleated and HEPA filters tend to last longer, requiring changing every six to 12 months. To maintain optimum airflow and avoid dust and debris accumulation, it is necessary to replace the filter regularly.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Florida homeowners can help prevent air leaks by installing weatherstripping around windows and doors. It’s also smart to seal any cracks or crevices with caulk and make sure the home has enough insulation. Sealing the leaks keeps warm air inside and reduces energy costs and temperature fluctuations caused by evaporation. Even little changes in temperature throughout the winter may have a significant effect on home comfort in Florida. This makes this technique all the more important.
3. Check the Outdoor Unit
Some homes have heating systems with outdoor units. If your home has a heat pump, ductless or split system, this applies to you. Keeping the area clean around the outdoor unit is paramount to its ability to maintain proper airflow. After clearing the area of any debris, it’s wise to trim or cut any plants around the unit.
4. Invest in Professional Maintenance
Among the many tasks performed by an HVAC expert during winter maintenance are the following: checking for and replacing air filters; sealing air leaks; inspecting and cleaning ducting; verifying thermostat settings; inspecting the outside unit; testing safety controls; and ensuring sufficient insulation. By taking advantage of this all-inclusive service, you can be certain that your system will run smoothly.
Nebula Air Conditioning and Heating is here to meet all of your heating and cooling maintenance needs. We offer installation, repair and maintenance services in Dundee. Give us a call now to schedule maintenance for your home’s HVAC system.
