Even though Floridians don’t typically have to stare down heaps of snow and frigid temperatures, prepping your HVAC system for a Florida winter is still very important. A few minor tweaks to your system now can save you hundreds when the temps start to dip below our usual balmy climate.
Following these steps is pretty straightforward, but if you run into anything you're unsure of feel free to reach out! We are here to help!
Dial It Back
During winter months you can save a lot of money by dialing down your thermostat when you’re not at home or asleep. Why not embrace the few times that we Floridians get to open the windows to cool down? Plus, this will keep your home comfortable when you and your family are in the house, but assure you’re not wasting any energy (and money!) when you’re not.
Keep it Breathing Properly
Always keep your filters clean. Dust and debris build up is a major contributor to poor circulation, mold and mildew and costly monthly bills. If you're unsure how often to change your filter, take a look at this helpful article. Such an easy fix can save you a great deal of money and help keep your system running as efficiently as possible.
Clean up the AC Unit Outside
Virtually every home in Florida is cooled by AC. Even though most of our trees are evergreen, there are still plenty of trees or other things that can shed and build up debris around your AC Unit.
Also, be sure that there is no excess water pooled in or around your unit, too, because that can lead to serious problems if there is a hard freeze. Remember, the weather here can be unexpectedly cold, so it’s better to keep a close eye on your unit’s cleanliness. If your unit appears to be excessively dirty on the coils or inside near the fan, contact us for a proper cleaning.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
With the flip of a switch you can help boost the efficiency of you HVAC unit by simply changing the direction of your ceiling fan. In the winter months, you want the fans to push the warm air that lingers at the ceiling back down to the room. This keeps your room cozy and comfy without making your HVAC unit work harder to maintain the temp.
Seal It Up
Even the tiniest draft in your home can make your bills rise. A single draft can waste up to 30% of your home's energy use. The quickest and easiest way to stop those drafts are draft snakes. These can be made pretty easily or bought online or in store.
By blocking each door in the house you can control the movement of air in your home and mitigate the drafts. If your home has more significant issues such as the weather stripping being damaged etc., having your home insulation professionally checked and repaired is another way to ensure your home’s energy efficiency.
As you can see, these simple steps can help you be ready for a Florida winter in a day or two, so you may as well take advantage of it while the weather is nice. There’s nothing like trying to do these things in terrible weather to put everyone in a foul mood. And if you have any questions about the process ChillTech is always here to offer you guidance.