Not Preparing Your Home for the Winter Could Cost You
It’s easy to forget routine winter maintenance living in Florida, but there are still a number of things homeowners should do to prepare for colder weather.
Clean Out Gutters
Even though we don’t have the same number of falling leaves they do up north, gutters down here can get filled with debris and standing water. Clogged gutters not only provide standing water that breeds mosquitoes, but also may cause water damage along your foundation.
Inspect the Roof
While you’re up there working on the gutters take a look at your roof. Look for missing, warped, or old shingles or tiles. If you find any, you’ll need to replace them. Your next stop will be the attic or crawl space to check for mold and water damage.
Check the Attic
While most Florida homes don’t have traditional attic spaces, they do have some sort of crawl or storage space. Checking it periodically for water damage is a good idea, especially if you don’t access that space often. Animals frequently make homes there and mold is a concern.
If you’re in the attic, take a look at your insulation. If your home is as young as five years old, its insulation may have settled to the point that it is no longer effective. Depending on the material used, you need at least 8 inches and as much as 23 inches of insulation. If you’re unsure what you need, consider a home energy audit. It’s provided free by many energy companies. Inadequate insulation can increase your heating bill by 30%.
Replace the Air Filter and Service your Furnace
Before the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to have your system serviced. Not only will it give you peace-of-mind that your system is running efficiently, but it will also call your attention to any issue when it is still easy to fix it. You don’t want to realize your furnace isn’t working when temps dip into the 40s.
It’s also a good time to have your AC filter changed, and your system serviced, so it’s ready for next season. Florida’s weather is unpredictable and you never know when it will heat up again.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Reversing the direction of your ceiling fans will cause all that lovely warm air that’s sitting at the top of your ceiling, to come down and keep your room cozy. A good ceiling fan will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Take a Look at Your Air Ducts
Many homes in Florida have air ducts that run under the homes. This makes them a prime target for critters building nests because they’re warm during the cooler months and cool during the warmer ones. If you have access to them, make sure your ducts are still connected, otherwise you’re paying to heat your entire neighborhood. Not only will this cost you but it will drain your system as well, making it extremely inefficient.
If you’d like to know how you can get the most from your furnace or air conditioning unit, contact the AC repair and heating professionals at Easy A/C today at 813-COLDAIR.