Top 10 HVAC Maintenance Tips for the Holiday Season in Florida

As Florida residents, we know just how hot our summers get! This means that the HVAC systems in your homes were working extra hard to keep you cool. By the time the cooler winter months roll around, your air conditioner has to be exhausted, and your heater needs to be ready to kick on when you need it.

To ensure your systems are running smoothly and effectively for you all year round, we came up with the top 10 tips for your AC and heating maintenance just in time for the holiday season.

When Should You Do Maintenance Work on Your HVAC Systems?

Experts recommend that you maintain your HVAC systems twice a year. The best time to do the first one is in the spring, well before the peak of our hot summer days. The second maintenance should be done in the fall before winter comes along.

It’s best to be prepared and have your systems up-to-date to ensure optimal comfort all year round!

Tip 1: Inspect Your Furnace Filter

We recommend checking in on your furnace filters every 45 days to every six months. How often you replace your filters will depend on the indoor air quality, allergens, pets, dust, and lung conditions.

If you haven’t done so already, check your furnace filter as soon as possible to ensure it’s clean and fresh! With reusable filters, you can clean them and put them back in. If you have disposable filters, be sure to get some new medium- to high-efficiency filters with a good MERV rating to be ready for those chilly nights.

Tip 2: Keep Your AC Clean

Going outside to check on your external AC is a must! With leaves falling, some leaves or twigs may have gotten near your AC unit. You’ll want to make sure it’s clear of any objects and debris. You can also cut back on any nearby overgrown landscaping.

Use a vacuum to clean up any dust in the fins on your AC, but be careful not to damage them, as they are fragile. After this, you can rinse your unit with a hose.

Tip 3: Inspect Your Internal Unit

It’s just as important to inspect and clean your internal unit. You’ll want to make sure you know how your system works, so be sure to keep your owner’s manual on hand! Inspect your unit for any signs of wear and clean off any dust or debris.

You’ll also need to clear out the drain lines, check on air registers in your home, and make sure all fans or blowers are moving smoothly.

Tip 4: Fix the Sinking Home AC Pad

Your AC and heat exchanger unit most likely has a concrete pad under it. Over time, this pad tends to settle and sink into the ground. Pay attention to whether the unit is staying dry and level and that there’s no strain on the copper coolant tubes and electrical lines. If there isn’t, then everything should still be okay, but if there’s any of the above, you’ll need to call in a professional like Iceberg Home Services to help!

Tip 5: Recharge/Replace Batteries

Now is the time to go around your home and check all your electronics’ batteries. Make sure to replace any dead batteries in important tools like your carbon monoxide detector, fire detector, and thermostat.

Tip 6: Fix Any Air Leaks

Do a walk-through of your home and check your windows and doors for drafts. If you feel any, weatherstripping and caulking are simple and affordable solutions for your home. Sealing these leaks is important to ensure your HVAC system can work effectively, keep you comfortable, and keep your energy bill low.

Tip 7: Keep Flammable Objects in Safe Places

It’s easy to forget to keep flammable objects away and in a safe place, especially around the holidays when you may have more guests visiting. With kids running around and decorations up, there’s a greater risk of fires. Keep this in mind and keep wrapping paper, blankets, and decorations away from your space heater. You’ll always want to make sure your Christmas tree isn’t near any fireplaces, furnaces, or heating vents to avoid it catching on fire!

Tip 8: Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great tool to have for your AC unit. A programmable thermostat allows you to set your temperatures for various times throughout the day and automatically lower or raise the temperature. This helps you save money and energy.

Make your holidays easier this year with a programmable thermostat, and be done with hovering over the dial!

Tip 9: Extra Insulation

You can increase your AC unit’s efficiency by replacing any rotted or damaged insulation around your unit. Look around and make sure the insulation isn’t damaged. You’ll also want to add extra insulation to your furnace room before the temperature drops low enough to freeze wires and fluids in your pipes.

Tip 10: Schedule Professional Maintenance

Scheduling professional maintenance with experts like the team at Iceberg Home Services can help you be prepared for the holiday season! Iceberg technicians will inspect your heat pump, furnace, AC unit, and all other HVAC systems. Do so before the weather gets too cold and potentially ruins your holiday.

HVAC inspections help you catch minor problems before they turn into bigger ones that can be more costly! Gift yourself peace of mind this holiday season and schedule maintenance with our affordable plans.

Call the Experts at Iceberg Home Services!

With over 70 years of experience, we are proud to serve the Florida community and service your homes with quality, top-rated work. We have a team of educated, highly trained, and certified technicians ready to make your holidays seamless this year. Call us with any HVAC questions, and happy holidays!

For a consultation, call (863) 223-1849 or contact us online today!