Winter in Florida is generally mild and most people don’t think it’s necessary to service their HVAC systems because their demand is not as high as the Northern areas. But this can be a costly mistake. Your heating system needs thorough maintenance during the cold months for various reasons, including:
1. Safety
Did you know that gas furnaces are the leading cause of home fires? When gas furnaces lay dormant during simmer and sometimes fall, they collect dust and debris on their vital components. These particles can interfere with its normal functioning, such as the heat distribution in the combustion chamber, which can lead to overheating and eventually a fire.
Heat exchangers also develop cracks over time from the constant heating and cooling cycles. These cracks can leak carbon monoxide gases while your furnace is running. Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is odorless and colorless, and you may not know it has reached dangerous levels in your home until it is too late. CO can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, and even suffocation. It is not only dangerous health wise, but it’s also flammable.
The electrical components of the heating system are another safety hazard. They wear out over time or become faulty due to power surges, increased demand, or improper installation. Issues such as frayed wires can create short circuits, which will not only damage your heating system but also create sparks that can result in a dangerous explosion or fire.
2. Enhanced Comfort
Winter HVAC maintenance helps keep your system working optimally. This means you’ll enjoy consistent temperatures and excellent indoor air quality.
You’ll avoid common HVAC issues such as strange noises, foul odors, cold and hot spots, and reduced airflow. Good indoor quality also reduces allergy and asthma symptoms, increases productivity, and enhances mood and overall well-being.
3. Cost Savings
Winter HVAC maintenance can help you save money in various ways. First, a technician can catch minor issues and fix them before they escalate into major problems. Often, by the time a heating system shows signs of a problem, the damage is usually already done. For example, if you are hearing rattling noises, a component is likely already loose or broken. Maintenance helps prevent these issues because an experienced technician can spot areas of stress within the system before they fail. Also, they will ensure every part is functioning optimally, minimizing the occurrence of stress in the first place.
Second, a well-maintained system runs close to peak efficiency. This means it consumes the least amount of energy while providing the highest levels of comfort achievable. During winter maintenance, your technician will work to bring your system back to its original operating efficiency through thorough cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, insulation, and repairs.
Third, winter maintenance can help extend the life of your heating system. You’ll be able to put off HVAC maintenance for a very long time.
Lastly, maintenance helps save money by keeping your warranty in good standing. Most HVAC manufacturers offer warranties with the condition that the system must be maintained at least once annually by a licensed and certified technician. Since you primarily use your heating system during winter, this is the time to fulfill that mandate.
HVAC system parts are not cheap. Something like a blower motor can go for about $2,000. A warranty will help you cover such costs whenever they break down, saving you from significant out-of-pocket expenses.
4. Enhanced Home Value
If you are planning on putting your home on the market soon, regular maintenance, especially during winter, is a must. HVAC systems are fundamental components of a home that are also appraised when determining the overall worth of the property. In fact, real estate agents often hire HVAC contractors to assess the condition of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and assign a value to them. If your system is in good shape, you’ll get a better evaluation, which can positively affect the sale price of your home.
What Does Professional Winter HVAC Maintenance Entail
A typical winter HVAC maintenance takes about two hours or more, depending on the work needed to be done. During that time, a professional will perform the following tasks:
Thorough Cleaning
An HVAC technician will remove all the dirt, dust, and other particles that accumulate inside and around your system. They may also disinfect ducts to prevent microbial growth.
Testing the Thermostat
The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. Your system can’t function properly if its control center has issues. Therefore, during maintenance, the HVAC technician must ensure your thermostat is in its best condition.
They’ll clean it, test its sensors, replace the batteries (if it has backup batteries), and calibrate it if needed. If you have a smart thermostat with an emergency heat function, they’ll also verify its performance to ensure it’s ready to trigger other sources of heat to help your HVAC system provide optimal comfort.
Replacing or Cleaning Air filters
Almost 80% of all HVAC issues start with dirty or damaged air filters. This is why cleaning or replacing air filters is the one maintenance task that homeowners are encouraged to know how to perform.
Dirty air filters block airflow, leading to other serious issues such as overheating, water leaks, fan motor wear, and complete system breakdown. To avoid all these issues, you should change them every two to three months. If you have pets, significant indoor allergens, or live in a particularly dusty environment, then the frequency should be increased to every 20 to 40 days.
During winter HVAC maintenance, it’s best to let a qualified technician examine and wash or replace your air filters for you. They might notice potential issues, such as wrong size or MERV rating and tears (in washable types), and address them accordingly.
Inspecting the Ductwork for Leaks
If you have a ducted HVAC system, your maintenance will also include checking your ducts for potential energy losses. Ductwork can lose up to 40% of heating energy during winter. They are the primary reason why energy bills spike in most homes.
Your HVAC technician should examine and seal leaks and reinsulate them if need be. Also, if you have duct dampers, they should ensure they are functioning correctly to maintain proper airflow and efficiency.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Components like belt drives, fan blades, blower motor bearings, and pulleys must be lubricated to reduce friction during operation. An HVAC technician will only use the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant to ensure these parts move smoothly and efficiently.
Servicing Electrical and the Combustion Chamber or Heating Elements
Winter HVAC maintenance also involves inspecting your electrical grid, tightening electrical connections, and ensuring the source of heat is in pristine condition. These parts are critical for the safety and efficiency of your heating system. Therefore, they must be thoroughly examined and quickly fixed in case there are any issues.
Contact J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing for HVAC Maintenance in Winter
Reach out to us to prepare your HVAC system for winter. Our highly skilled and experienced technicians are committed to providing superior heating services that will keep your system working as efficiently as it did when new. We can also replace or upgrade your HVAC system and provide tailored indoor air quality solutions.
Call J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing today for winter HVAC maintenance.
