Florida is known for its warm and balmy climates, and many Floridians and newcomers enjoy the mild temperatures even throughout the winter season. Believe it or not, it does get chilly in Florida, with overnight temperatures falling into the low 50s and sometimes dipping below freezing in December.
Many Florida homeowners question whether they even need a central heating system. Although there may be days during the winter that are warm enough to visit the beach, on colder days, many locals realize the need for a central heating system in their home to be more comfortable.Â
What To Expect When You Turn Your Heat On
Tampa homeowners may notice a smell in their home when first turning their heating system on after a long summer, which is typically nothing serious to worry about. Keep in mind, though, if the odor lingers more than an hour or more after turning your system on, this could be a sign of a more serious issue.
How To Prepare Your HVAC System in Florida for the Winter
- Clean and replace your filters. Dirty filters are usually the most common reason for furnace problems. Filters get clogged and accumulate dirt as dust and dirt restrict airflow. This backup causes the heat exchanger to overheat and shut off too quickly, restricting warm air from flowing through your home even though the blower is running. Before turning your heat on for the first time, we recommend that you monitor your HVAC filters monthly and replace them with clean, new filters as needed.
- Perform a visual inspection. Dust settles on the burners, heat exchangers, and other components while your system is not in use during the summer months. Be sure to shut off your HVAC unit before inspecting it. Perform a visual inspection and look for twigs, leaves, grass buildup, and any other debris around the unit's base. Also, look for any damage to the physical unit, such as corrosion or damaged wires to avoid the need for heating repair services. Clean and remove any dirt, leaves, or other unwanted debris on or around your HVAC unit, and never stack anything on top of your unit.
- Soundcheck. When you turn on your HVAC unit, listen for any unusual sounds. If you hear rattling or clanking noises, this may indicate something loose, such as a fan blade or debris stuck somewhere.
- Thermostat check. Set the thermostat to your desired temperature and let it run when you decide to turn on your heating system. Check each room or area of your home to ensure that it reaches the set temperature and check that all vents are open and closed to your preference.
- Regular maintenance. Scheduling time to have your heating system ready for winter will reduce possible issues when Florida's temperature starts to drop. If a repair requires more than new filters, you don't want to wait for the middle of winter to get it resolved. Regular maintenance is the best preventative measure to avoid full-on repairs during the coldest months.
Schedule Heating Maintenance with Hoffman Electrical
Heating maintenance service from the qualified specialists at Hoffman Electrical & AC will involve a professional checkup, which includes cleaning and removing blockages, cleaning coils, and lubricating moving parts. Our comprehensive maintenance services will contribute to the overall life span of your HVAC system. Focusing on routine maintenance now will help you avoid costly problems later.
Who To Call For HVAC Services in Tampa, Florida
Improve the comfort of your home and save money on your electric bill by utilizing professional HVAC technicians from the team here at Hoffman Electrical & AC.Â
Call us at 866-238-3243 or use our online contact form to request more information on getting your HVAC system in your Tampa, FL, home ready for the change of seasons!
