Do you need Tampa HVAC winter tips for the upcoming cold season? If you want to protect your system from these sudden cold spells, you’re in the right place. You can prepare for the upcoming season using Fairway Heating and Cooling’s Tampa HVAC winter prep guide!
When the cool weather arrives, you may wonder how to keep your system safe from cold snaps. Because of Tampa’s mild temperatures, cold snaps can affect your HVAC unit. For example, cold weather may cause frozen pipes, refrigerant leaks, and condensate drain clogs.
Let’s dive in now and learn why you should protect your air conditioning system during cold weather and how you can start today.
How Do Winters in Tampa Affect Your AC?
Your AC may still experience weather-related issues despite mild Tampa winters. After heavy AC use in the summer, you must check your system. Otherwise, your AC may experience temperature-induced malfunctioning.
Cold snaps can lead to several HVAC problems, such as:
- Clogged condensate lines
- Dirty air filters
- Faulty thermostat
- Condenser fin clogs and damage
- Blower motor failure
- Refrigerant leaks
- Frozen pipes
If you want to avoid system breakdown, prioritize seasonal upkeep. Our professionals will walk you through some at-home winter preparations.
What Steps Can You Take to Protect Your Tampa System from Cold Snaps?
Here are Fairway Heating and Cooling’s tips to prepare your HVAC system for the winter:
Swap Air Filter
One of the first steps to prepare for a Tampa HVAC winter is changing your air filters. If you use your AC often, your filter becomes clogged with dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Dirty air filters restrict airflow through the system and spread dirt to your vents. As a result, it may affect your indoor air quality.
Inspect AC Vents
When preparing your AC for winter, you should look at your vents. Your vents may have built up dirt and debris in the summer months. Check your vents for airflow obstructions to get them ready for the season. Blocked airflow is a sign of restricted airflow throughout your home. To clear the blockage, remove and clean the grills.
Insulate Your Pipes & Ducts
Insulating your pipes and ducts stops your pipes from freezing. More so, it stops condensation buildup, reducing the risk of corrosion. Wrapping your pipes prevents these problems, giving you peace of mind.
Look For Corrosion
Year-round, your HVAC system may experience corrosion. Tampa has higher humidity from May through October, so you must take measures to keep your system safe.
Look at metal parts on your AC for rust. Examples of metal components consist of the following:
- Refrigerant lines
- Condensate drains
- Evaporator coil
- Condenser fins-the metal found on your outdoor unit
Even though you may not use your AC as often during the winter, checking for signs of erosion is important. It allows you to call on HVAC professionals for repairs and maintenance.
Clean Condenser Grills
Your AC condenser grills become filthy because they are outside. So, wind can blow leaves and dirt into the grills, compromising airflow. Dirty air filters can also further restrict airflow. That’s why you must regularly swap your filters and clean your grills.
Cleaning your condenser will be beneficial in the following ways:
- Improves airflow
- Enhances performance
- Reduces system breakdowns
- Extends your HVAC lifespan
- Saves you money
Trim Overgrown Vegetation
Trim nearby branches to prevent debris from clogging the condenser grills. Cut back overhanging branches at least a few inches so the condenser has adequate airflow. As a result, your system will run efficiently.
Check Condensate Drains
Your evaporator coils are responsible for removing humidity from the air. Excess moisture drips down to the condensate drain, exiting through an exterior drain. Contaminants from the air filter can build up on your evaporator coil and drip into the drain pan. This may lead to mold and bacteria growth.
Occasionally, these leaks can affect sheetrock, foundation, and exterior drainage systems. The key to preventing catastrophic damage is to check your system seasonally. For all HVAC repairs, call a local expert.
Thermostat Upkeep
Check your thermostat for a successful transition to the winter months. For instance, you may need to have HVAC professionals recalibrate it. Or you might have to change the batteries. Both will affect the efficiency of your HVAC system.
To reduce AC consumption during the winter, you can change your thermostat settings. Programmable and smart thermostats have energy-saving settings that cut system usage down. These settings apply to heating and cooling.
How Else Can You Prepare Your HVAC System for the Winter?
Scheduling routine maintenance is essential for a Tampa HVAC winter! Winter upkeep is like regular maintenance. For example, both may involve air filter changes, cleaning, or repair.
Seasonal system checks help safeguard your unit. Replacing faulty parts prevents widespread malfunction. In return, your unit will have a longer lifespan and perform optimally, saving you money.
Reach Out to Fairway Heating and Cooling for Help Winterizing Your HVAC System!
For Tampa HVAC winter assistance, call on Fairway Heating and Cooling! Our professionals will help you quickly prepare your system for the upcoming season. We will perform a thorough system inspection when you schedule a maintenance call. Then, we will speak with you about repairs you may need. Moreover, we will provide recommendations on how to prepare your system for winter.
At Fairway, we believe in making HVAC services affordable and accessible to everyone. So, with our reasonable pricing, you can service your HVAC unit without a strain on your budget.
Contact us today to speak with one of our customer service agents or to book a work quote!
The post Tampa HVAC Winter Prep Guide: Protect Your System During Cold Snaps appeared first on Fairway Heating and Cooling, LLC.