One great thing about living in South Florida is that we rarely have to deal with serious winter weather. But your house may occasionally get chilly enough that you need to turn the heating on for a short while — or unusually hot days when you may need to switch back to air conditioning. That’s why you want to make sure your HVAC system is ready to go to meet your varying winter needs.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
One of the first things to do when the colder weather arrives is to check your thermostat settings and make sure you have it programmed correctly. Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to have your thermostat set above 68 degrees to keep your heating from running too much when it needs to come on. It’s wised to program your thermostat so that the temperature drops to at 65 degrees or lower when you go to bed. Not only do most people sleep far better in a slightly cooler environment, but turning the thermostat down also saves you a bit of money. The other thing to check is that the fan is set to Auto so that it runs only when your heating comes on.
An even better solution is to have an HVAC company install a smart thermostat if you don’t already have one. That’s partly because a good smart thermostat can do most of the work itself and automatically adjust the temperature as needed. Some of these devices can even monitor the weather and automatically switch between heating and cooling mode based on the outdoor and indoor temperatures.
Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor HVAC Unit
Keeping the entire area around your outdoor HVAC unit clear of debris and vegetation is important for several reasons. If you have a heat pump, this step helps it work far more effectively by ensuring its fan can circulate sufficient air through the unit. If the airflow is blocked by debris or there are dead leaves inside the unit, you can also end up with moisture getting trapped inside and potentially leading to corrosion. This latter issue is also true if you have an AC condenser you use only during the warmer parts of the year.
Inspect the Insulation on the Refrigerant Lines
If you have a heat pump, another thing you need to do is check the exposed copper refrigerant lines outside the house to make sure the foam insulation is still intact. This insulation exists to prevent the outdoor air from contacting the lines. If any part of the line where the refrigerant flows inside is exposed, your heat pump won’t heat as well or work as efficiently. That’s because the refrigerant will lose quite a bit of heat before it makes it inside, leaving less to flow into the air inside your house.
Don’t Forget to Replace the Air Filter
Most manufacturers recommend replacing air filter in your HVAC system every 30 to 90 days. Even though your HVAC system typically won’t get much use during the Florida winter, it’s still a good idea to replace the filter when the temperature starts to drop. That way, you can ensure that your heating will work more effectively when it does have to run. You also typically won’t need to worry about changing the filter again until it starts heating back up and it’s time to turn your AC back on. That said, we still recommend inspecting the filter every few weeks so you can see if it’s starting to get dirty and needs cleaning or replacement.
Contact Us for Professional Maintenance Service
If you truly want to be prepared for the potential cold weather, our team at Brisk Air is ready to help. We specialize in HVAC maintenance and can make sure your system is ready for whatever winter in South Florida has to offer. Our team can see to all aspects of your HVAC system so that it always functions effectively, and your energy bills don’t suddenly start to rise. We can service every make and model of furnace or heat pump and can also handle your AC maintenance needs. If you need a new installation or any repairs, our team can expertly manage that as well. We’ve been serving Coral Springs and the surrounding areas in South Florida since 1972 and are the go-to source for all of your home comfort needs.
For help preparing your HVAC system for winter surprises, contact Brisk Air today.
