Floridians often forget to take the necessary steps in winterizing their homes because of the length of our hot months. But if you want your home systems to run efficiently there are a few things you should do prior to freezing weather and covering the fruit trees.
Check Your Furnace
Since Floridians spend so little time heating their homes, it’s easy to forget the furnace until you need it. Before the temps drop, change your filter and have a professional check your furnace. You’ll have peace-of-mind that your system is running efficiently and everything is in good working order.
Drain the Sediment in Your Water Heater
Sediment often collects at the base of your water heater. It reduces the efficiency of the burner. Empty and clean this out periodically or you may find yourself replacing your unit prematurely.
Clean the Chimney
While most Florida homes don’t have chimneys, those that do need to have them cleaned once a year. Since we don’t use them very frequently, small animals may build nests in them. Cresote can also build up and cause fires. Have a professional check your chimney before using it for the first time this winter.
In order to save on your heating bill you’ll also want to make sure that you close the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Otherwise, all of that nice warm air you’ve been paying to produce will go up your chimney.
Replace Your Curtains
If you’ve been using darker, light blocking curtains during the summer to keep your home cool, switch them out for lighter ones during the winter on your south and west facing windows. As long as your windows are without drafts and leaks, this will allow you to make the most of the warm Florida sun and keep those rooms cozy.
Regardless of whether you prefer heavy or lighter drapes, making sure the curtains or blinds on your south and west facing windows are open, particularly during the afternoon will bring in lots of nice, warm light.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Warm air rises and collects on your ceiling. If you don’t have a way to recirculate it and bring it back down, you’ll be paying to heat your ceiling. Most ceiling fans can be reversed so that they can return the warmth to the area of your home where you are and not warming the fans and your ceiling tiles.
Take a Look at Your Air Ducts
If your air ducts run underneath your house, like many do in Florida, taking a look at their connections is important. Animals have a habit of building homes in and alongside these ducts, which will affect the connection and efficiency of the air flow. Get this checked out before you turn on the heat.
If you’d like to know more about what you can do to prepare for cold weather or have questions about your furnace or air conditioning unit, contact the AC repair and heating professionals at Easy A/C today at 813-COLDAIR.