As far as winters go, we have it pretty easy here in Spring Hill, Florida. We don’t have to endure feet of snow or temperatures so cold that you feel your nose freezing. Sure, we get rain, but we’ll take it.
All of these aspects of a Florida winter are great, but they can sometimes lull us into complacency when it comes to caring for our HVAC systems. We sometimes seem to think that just because it’s not freezing, we don’t have to worry as much about caring for our heater as someone further north would. However, if you give your heater the TLC it deserves in the winter, it will care for you when you do need it. Here’s why you should take care of your HVAC system in the winter.
Temperature Shifts
Maybe you’ve lived in Florida for a fair amount of time. You feel like you’ve got Florida winters down. Throw a sweater on every so often, and you’re good, right? While most of the time, Florida winters are mild, weather can be unpredictable. However rare it may be, there’s always the possibility of a sudden cold front coming through. An extreme temperature shift is no big deal for a tuned-up HVAC system, but a system that hasn’t received proper maintenance may not be able to handle the sudden strain when you turn up the heat.
Indoor Air Quality
Even if you don’t have to open the door to a mound of snow, you still probably spend more time indoors in the winter than in the summer. The more time you spend inside, the more you need to watch your indoor air quality. Everything from chemical cleaners to pet dander can cause indoor air pollution and lead to irritation at best and illness at worst. Fortunately, your HVAC system usually filters your air. However, if you’re not taking care of your system, it may not be taking care of you.
Preparation for the Future
So maybe this winter comes and goes without any shifts in temperature and your indoor air is as healthy as ever. You should still be taking care of your HVAC system, even if just to prepare it for the future. Moderate seasons are great times to give your HVAC system the maintenance it needs to keep running for years to come. Don’t put it off just because the weather is mild right now.
How to Care for Your HVAC System in the Winter
Let’s talk solutions. What can you do today to care for your HVAC system? The best thing you can do is improve the energy efficiency of your system, which consequently reduces strain and ensures that your system will last longer. Start by adjusting your thermostat settings. The greater the difference between the temperature outside your home and the temperature indoors, the harder your system must work to make up the difference. Set your thermostat as low as comfortably possible. If you start getting cold during the day, open the blinds to let in sunlight and get a hot drink.
Secondly, if you want to keep up your indoor air quality, you’ll need to regularly change your HVAC system’s air filter. You should replace most filters once a month. Changing filters will increase not only your indoor air quality but also your energy efficiency.
Speaking of maintenance, if you weren’t able to conduct professional maintenance back in the fall, now is the perfect time for a tuneup and any necessary repairs. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to get your heating and cooling system in peak condition.
Finally, consider having your ducts inspected and, if necessary, sealed. Leaks can form in your duct network, which causes energy loss and decreased comfort. Seal those leaks before they hike up your utility bills and leave you wanting when that sudden temperature shift finally comes.
Proper HVAC care is a habit. It doesn’t change with the season, even if you adjust the actual methods of care throughout the year. To get your HVAC system the winter care it needs, call Senica Air Conditioning, Inc. today at 866-881-5935.
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