If you’ve lived in Florida for any length of time, you know that it can get surprisingly cold in the winter. In some areas, nights in December and January can get chilly enough to turn the heat on. So, it’s a good idea to check your heating system from season to season to make sure there are no surprises on those nights when it’s too cold for comfort.
What to Do in the Spring
By spring, you’ve probably used your air conditioning once or twice, but there are still things to check that will affect your heating system later on.
Inspect the Air Filters
Air filters are vital for both heating and cooling. Dirty air filters make your entire HVAC system work harder and shorten its working life. If the filters are filthy by the time the heating season rolls around, your system won’t work as well. HVAC professionals recommend changing the filters at least every three months, and every month if you have a smoker, furry pet, or person with allergies in your home.
Check the Ductwork
Have an HVAC professional check your ductwork for any leaks or clogs. Critters such as mice love to find holes in ductwork and build their nests in there.
The Summer Checklist
Even in summer when you’re using your air conditioner regularly, you need to be mindful of the cooler weather ahead. Your furnace is probably helping to power your air conditioner. To that end, you need to have an HVAC professional check its components to make sure they are sound and working well. The components depend on whether the furnace is powered by gas, propane, oil or electricity. Among the things to check are:
- Blowers
- Burners
- Gas supply
- Flue connection and vents in an oil or gas furnace
- Safety controls
- Fuel pump
- Motors
- Fan blades
- Pilot light
- Belts
- Transformers for an electric furnace
The Fall Checklist
Now is the time to call the HVAC professional to check the entire system to make sure it’s ready for the cold weather. It’s also a good idea to have the thermostat checked if you haven’t already done so this year.
The Winter Checklist
You might want to have weather stripping applied to doors and windows. Also, make sure to keep the heating system and the area around it clean.
Call to Learn More About Your Seasonal Heating Checklist
Though it might not get bitterly cold where you live, you still might need to turn on the heat for a few nights in deep winter. To learn more about HVAC services and heating in the Tampa Bay, FL area, get in touch with our experts at Cornerstone Pros.
