“Winterize your home” usually means to protect it from snow and frozen pipes… which is not much of a concern in Sarasota! Still, it’s smart to prepare your HVAC system for cooler months. This ensures protection and efficiency all year.
4 Steps to Prepare for Florida’s “Chill”
Here are four essential steps D&D Air recommends to prepare your HVAC system for a Sarasota winter, along with why it’s smart to schedule service now.
Step One: Give Your Heater a Test Run
A heater unused for months can develop issues. Avoid surprises by testing it before the temperature drops.
Here’s What to Do:
Turn your thermostat to the “Heat” setting and set the temperature about 5 degrees higher than your current room temperature.
- Listen: Does it turn on smoothly? Listen for any strange clanking, rattling, or clicking noises.
- Smell: Expect a faint burning smell for the first few minutes (this is just accumulated dust burning off). If the smell persists, turn it off immediately and call for service.
- Feel: Does the air coming out of the vents feel warm within a minute or two?
If your heater struggles, smells strongly, or fails to turn on, you need professional service before the weather gets truly cold.
Step Two: Fall Tune-Up (It’s Not Just for Summer!)
Most homeowners think of maintenance only in spring to prepare for the heat. However, a Fall Tune-Up is equally important, especially if you have a heat pump (which most Florida homes do). Your heat pump needs to reverse its process to provide heat, and switching from constant cooling to heating can stress components.
Here’s What to Do:
Call D&D Air to schedule a professional maintenance/service call. This will:
- Protect Your Investment: Routine service ensures your system is clean, lubricated, and calibrated correctly, protecting it from unnecessary wear.
- Get You Priority Service (Avoid the Rush:) Don’t wait until the first cold snap hits. That’s when everyone else calls. Scheduling now guarantees service at your convenience.
- Ensure A Warm Winter: Our technicians will check all heating elements and reversing valves to make sure your system is ready to deliver comfortable heat when you need it.
Step Three: Clean and Clear
Your outdoor unit (the condenser) needs clear space around it year-round. In the summer, this ensures efficient cooling, but in the fall and winter, falling leaves and debris can clog the unit, restricting airflow for both heating and cooling cycles.
Here’s What to Do:
Walk around your outdoor unit and clear any leaves, sticks, or plants within a two-foot radius.
Ensuring good airflow keeps your system running at peak efficiency, whether it’s cooling on a warm December afternoon or providing heat on a chilly January evening.
Step Four: Set it and Forget It
Cooler weather offers a great opportunity to save money on your electric bill, but only if you use your thermostat wisely.
Here’s What to Do:
Adjust your programmable or smart thermostat for colder weather.
- For Heat Pumps: Avoid manually turning the temperature up too far at once (e.g., from 68°F to 75°F). This often triggers the expensive emergency heat strips instead of the efficient heat pump cycle. Make adjustments in small increments.
- Nighttime Savings: Lower your thermostat setting when you’re sleeping or not at home to save energy, taking advantage of the mild Florida nights. Program your thermostat to return to your desired comfort temperature before you wake up or return home.
Winterize and Relax
Don’t neglect your heating and cooling system just because winter is mild in Sarasota. A little proactive maintenance now prevents major headaches and costly repairs when the weather actually turns cool.
Don’t wait—call D&D Air now at (941) 297-0089 to schedule your Fall Tune-Up! Secure your appointment today before the cold arrives, and ensure your home stays comfortable and worry-free all season long.
