If you live in Florida, you probably don’t give much thought to how your home is going to fare in winter weather. After all, we’re blessed here in the Sunshine State with temperatures that rarely fall below freezing, and sunny skies even in January. We do have some inclement weather, though, and even in a temperate climate, it’s important to prepare your property for what may lie ahead. Especially if you’re a seasonal resident, you’ll want to make sure everything is ready for whatever weather may come.
- Mind your plants. Florida flora and fauna are not big fans of cold weather. Even alligators huddle in their dens in winter, waiting until a sunny day with highs in the 60s or 70s before coming out to bask in the sun. You’re probably not too concerned about what happens to the alligators, but your own plants are another story. Experts say that the best thing to do when a frost or freeze is expected is to cover plants with burlap. If you’re short on burlap, a sheet will work, but if you choose to use plastic, remember to get it off the plants as quickly as possible after the sunrise. Florida sunshine burns hot and strong, even in the dead of winter.
- Tour your own yard. Look for any issues that may need your attention, like fallen tree limbs, trash, holes, or destroyed Inspect your home’s façade, and check the roof for missing shingles or loosened flashing. If you have any sheds or other structures on your possible, give them a look to make sure they’re in good shape, and check your fence for loose boards or exposed nails. Check the doors and window to make sure there are no gaps in the casings, and all the locks are still functional.
- Protect against pests. When the weather is nasty and your home is warm and cozy, rodents and other pests are prone to seek the shelter of your house. Clear out cobwebs, keep mulch or wood away from the house, and take other preventive measures, and if you see any sign of pest activities, deal with it now or bring in a professional.
- Clear the gutters and downspouts. Your gutters can collect an alarming amount of organic matter, especially if you live near trees. Before the winter weather arrives, clean them out and rinse the gutters and downspouts, or hire a gutter cleaning service. It might also be practical to consider a gutter guard product, to cut down on your gutters’ maintenance. While you’re cleaning them, make sure your gutters and downspouts are properly directed, to carry water away from your home.
- Evaluate the attic. Before it gets chilly, ask for professional help in evaluating the insulation in your attic, making sure it has the right R-30 value. While you’re up there, it’s a good idea to check for any signs of pests, as well.
- Winterize your irrigation system. Before the first frost occurs, turn off the main water valve, turn on each valve, and allow any water to drain out. This will help to make sure that your system doesn’t freeze.
- Change your air filter. It’s easy to forget about your air conditioner’s filter during the winter because you’re probably not running the A/C. Still, the air filter is an important part of your home’s ventilation system and needs to be changed every month or two, regardless of the time of year.
- Adjust your thermostat and ceiling fans. Ceiling fans have a switch that changes their direction, and by switching it to clockwise, you can assist the heat circulation in your room because the fan will push the heat down from the ceiling. If you have a programmable thermostat, it’s a good idea to switch it to manual control for the weekend, so you can adjust it as necessary.
- Call in a professional to check out the HVAC. Having a professional come in to perform system maintenance checks can prevent costly breakdowns and increase your system’s efficiency. In fact, regular maintenance can actually increase the lifespan of your HVAC system.
If you need to find a professional to check your HVAC, or you’re in the market for air duct cleaning, repair, and replacement services in Tampa, St. Petersburg and the surrounding area, please feel free to call Air Rescue at 813-358-3431. Since 1946, our family-owned business has been providing superior service at unbeatable prices, offering heat and air conditioning repair services, new HVAC system installations, and more for homes and businesses. The service team at Air Rescue Air Conditioning consists of 75 expertly trained and licensed technicians, who work quickly and efficiently. Our service and pricing guarantee ensures that we always arrive on time, offer you the lowest price in the industry, and leave you 100% satisfied. Schedule your service visit today, and we’re confident that you’ll make us our HVAC company for life.