Preparing Your HVAC System for Florida Winters

Believe it or not, there is winter in Florida. Although it is only a dip of about 21 degrees for the average high between summer and winter in cities like Jacksonville, that is a big enough swing to warrant some preseason work on your HVAC system.

Beyond being ready for the weather a new season brings, taking time to have your air conditioning and heating system ready for winter means fewer issues when the temperature really starts to drop. Turning your heat on for the first time when you actually need it is never a good time to be surprised by an issue.

Know What to Expect When Turning Your Heat On

Homeowners tend to be concerned with the smell in their home that occurs when first turning their heat on after a long summer. Most times this odor is nothing to be concerned about.

Dust settles on the heat exchanger, burners, and other components while your heating system lies dormant over the warmer months. As the debris burns off, a smoky odor makes its way through the house and goes away rather quickly. If an odor lingers beyond an hour or more after turning your system on, that could be a different story.

Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace problems. As dust and dirt restrict airflow, filters get clogged. This backup causes the heat exchanger to overheat and shut off too quickly. Therefore, your home will not warm up even though the blower is running.

Focus on Maintenance Now to Avoid a Delay Later

If a repair requires more than just new filters, you don’t want to wait for the middle of winter to find out. Even if the temperatures are not frigid in your area, the parts needed to fix your unit may take longer to secure late in the season when systems are more likely to fail and techs are already busy.

This is why preventative measures are almost always less expensive than full-on repairs deep in the heart of winter. More than just testing the unit, a professional checkup includes cleaning, removing blockages, cleaning coils, and lubricating moving parts. All of this adds up to a longer useful life for your HVAC system.

Improve the comfort of your home and save money on your electric bill by utilizing a professional HVAC technician like those from the team here at Ideal Conditions. The best way to prepare your HVAC system for winter is covering it with a maintenance contract so there are no surprises when the cold snap shows up.

Call Ideal Conditions at 904-379-8762 or use our online contact form to request more information on making sure your HVAC is ready for the change of seasons.