HVAC

While Florida has primarily mild winters, occasionally the temperatures tend to dip. On those days, it is important that your HVAC unit is well-maintained and protected from the cold. The last thing you want is your system suddenly breaking down in the middle of a chilly night, caused by a simple maintenance issue you could have handled earlier. If you don’t know how you can keep your furnace or heat pump safe or well-functioning during the winter, don’t worry. The pros at American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical are here to tell you a little bit about how you can winterize your HVAC unit!

 

  • Keep an Eye on the Temperature

 

 

    1. Keep a track of the temperature to see if any dips are coming up. By keeping an eye on your weather app, you will know if you’ll need to take any measures to protect your HVAC unit from a sudden cold spell.

 

  1. Clean Your Outdoor Unit
    While this is an important maintenance tip for every season, it is especially important for the winter. Your outdoor condenser is an important component of your air conditioning unit and you will need it functioning properly for the warmer months. Before your air conditioning goes for hibernation during the chillier months, be sure to properly clean out your outdoor condenser. Here are some ways you can clean it:

    • Trim Vegetation
      If there is any vegetation around your outdoor unit, it is important to trim it and maintain at least a 2 ft. clearance around it. Vegetation, dirt, or debris can be caught in the outdoor condenser and cause long-term damage.
    • Clean the Inside of the Unit
      Make sure your HVAC system is off when you do this. Unscrew the top grille and remove the fan carefully without touching any wiring. Using a gloved hand, reach inside and remove any debris. Then use a damp rag or towel to wipe off the dirt inside the unit.
    • Vacuum
      Using a soft, bristle brush attachment, vacuum the outer fins of your outdoor condenser. Don’t bend any fins and be as gentle as possible. For more thorough cleaning, you can use a hose to clean the exterior of the condenser. Make sure your unit is turned off for this as well.

     

  2. Cover the Unit
    The next step to winterizing your HVAC unit is by protecting your outdoor condenser from icy winds and cold temperatures. You can simply use a tarp to cover the unit or purchase an outdoor unit cover from a home improvement store. This is particularly helpful in colder climates—so if you’re reading this in a snowier region of the United States, this tip is for you!
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  4. Professional Maintenance
    It is best to get your HVAC unit tuned up at least annually or biannually. By having a professional inspect your system, you can be confident that even the smallest problem will not go unnoticed. While a professional inspection might have a higher up-front cost, it can save you money on emergency repairs and energy consumption in the long run!
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  6. Change Your Air Filter
    By changing your air filter, you can reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent. A clogged air filter can lead to airflow issues and make your HVAC unit work harder to reach the set temperature. Changing your air filter is one of the easiest HVAC system maintenance tips. It is best to change it every 1-2 months.

Winterize Your HVAC unit with American Air and Heat!

Want to learn more about how you can winterize your HVAC unit? Call the pros at American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical at (407) 603-4410 or schedule an appointment with us online!

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