The winter season in Orlando is beautiful and mesmerizing. Staying at your home, snuggled up in a blanket, sounds aesthetic. However, you can only be comfortable if your HVAC system keeps your home comfortable during the chilly hours.
Maintaining your HVAC system at least twice a year ensures that the components in the system are in their best conditions and the system is not facing any underlying issues. Although you should contact an HVAC technician in Orlando for professional maintenance and service, you can follow these simple and effective steps to take care of your system without spending money:
Switch Off The System
The first step you should follow to maintain your HVAC system is to turn off the power supply to the system. You would not want to get electrocuted while working on cleaning your system. Take the plug out of the socket or flip the breaker down to ensure that the system is off.
Clean Or Replace Your Filters
The filters in your furnace improve the indoor air quality of your home. They also ensure that the airflow pathway for warm air is smooth and has no restrictions. If the filters are dirty, the system will have to work for longer hours to maintain the temperature in your home, leading to increased electricity bills. You should clean your system filters at least once a month and replace them at least once in three months. You can either clean it yourself or contact an HVAC cleaning service.
Check For Moisture
Moisture is the biggest enemy of your HVAC heating system. Moisture can adversely affect the efficiency of your system by rusting the components in it. There should not be moisture near the windows or inside the system to prevent rust formation. If any of the components have rusted, replace them immediately.
Check For Unwanted Sounds
Once you have followed the above steps; you can turn on your system to run it. While it functions normally, try to listen closely for unwanted AC sounds like twinkling or clanking. If you hear such sounds, it means that one or more internal components of the system are not in their best condition and need professional attention immediately. Let your HVAC technician handle the unwanted sound problem.
Check For Hot And Cold Pockets
If your system is working efficiently and is not having any problems; you will not feel any hot and cold pockets in your home. If you notice a significant difference between the temperature of the two rooms, it may indicate that the vents of that room are unclean or the system is facing some technical issues.
AmeriTech Air Conditioning & Heating shall help you with all problems regarding your HVAC systems. Our years of experience and professional technicians provide the best HVAC cleaning service. You can contact us at (407) 743-7106 to know more about our affordable services.
Refrigerant is essential for your HVAC system's heating and cooling performance, and low refrigerant levels become particularly problematic during winter. During the seasonal transition, insufficient refrigerant reduces your system's heating capacity and forces it to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing utility bills. Signs of refrigerant leaks include weak airflow from vents, hissing sounds near the indoor unit, and ice formation on the evaporator coil. While homeowners can perform a visual inspection and use a soap-and-water solution to test accessible copper lines for bubbling that indicates leaks, most refrigerant repairs require professional service due to environmental regulations that mandate special EPA certification for handling refrigerants. A professional technician should check your refrigerant charge as part of pre-winter maintenance to ensure optimal performance throughout the heating season.
Leaky ductwork can waste between 20 to 30 percent of your heated air before it reaches your living spaces. This escaped conditioned air travels into unconditioned spaces like attics, basements, or crawl spaces, resulting in higher heating bills and uneven temperature distribution throughout your home. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that homeowners can lose up to 30 percent of conditioned air through duct leaks. Common signs of leaky ducts include noticeable temperature differences between rooms, higher-than-expected heating bills, excessive dust accumulation, and weak airflow from certain vents. Professional duct sealing using mastic sealant or specialized tape addresses these leaks and improves heating efficiency, comfort, and energy savings during the winter months.
Proper thermostat calibration ensures accurate temperature readings and maximizes heating efficiency. An improperly calibrated thermostat causes temperature swings, uneven heating across your home, and increased energy consumption. For winter operation, set your thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit during the day when you are home, and lower it to 62 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit while sleeping or away from home. Common signs of an improperly calibrated thermostat include frequent and dramatic temperature variations, rooms feeling significantly too hot or too cold, and unusually high energy bills. If you suspect calibration issues, a professional HVAC technician can verify thermostat accuracy and make necessary adjustments to ensure consistent comfort and energy efficiency throughout the winter season.
The condensate drain line is a small pipe that removes excess moisture from your HVAC system during operation. During winter heating, moisture can accumulate inside the system, and this drain line carries that water safely away from your equipment. A clogged condensate drain line prevents proper water drainage, which can lead to water damage inside your home, mold growth, and in some cases, complete system shutdown. You should have a professional inspect and clear your condensate drain line as part of your pre-winter maintenance to prevent costly water damage and ensure your system operates reliably throughout the heating season. Signs of a clogged drain line include water pooling near your indoor unit, musty odors, or visible moisture accumulation around the system.