As winter break approaches, many Florida families are gearing up for time at home with the kids, holiday celebrations, and family travel. While Florida winters are mild compared to other states, the season still brings cooler temperatures, more time indoors, and the need for a little extra preparation.
Winterizing your HVAC system can make all the difference, from keeping your home cozy and energy-efficient to ensuring everything is safe and ready for holiday fun. Even if your system is in good condition, routine checkups are essential to ensure everything is operating properly and can help prevent potential issues down the road.
Thanks to the expertise of my partners at Trane, a leading home comfort and HVAC brand, we wanted to share 5 seasonal maintenance tips for an easy HVAC checklist to ensure your family stays cozy this season.
#1: Manage Your Filters
It’s important to monitor your HVAC filter year-round, especially during winter when you are likely to spend more time indoors. Clean air filters and ductwork are key to maintaining good indoor air quality and keeping your system running efficiently. Replace your air filters and consider scheduling professional duct cleaning during the holiday season to ensure your guests breathe clean, fresh air and reduce the risk of system strain.
To provide homeowners with a more convenient, stress-free way to replace their air filters, Trane offers an air filter subscription program powered by FilterTime™. The service delivers filters straight to your door with free shipping, helping ensure you never miss an important maintenance refresh. Customers can choose to make a one-time purchase or sign up for an ongoing subscription through the Trane Home app or by visiting TraneFilters.com. You also have the option to set up filter reminders. The Trane Home app sends a simple notification when it’s time to change your filter and allows you to place your Trane filters order directly from your mobile device!
#2: Clear Around Your Outdoor Unit
Even during Florida’s mild winter months, vegetation can continue to grow, and debris can accumulate around your outdoor condenser unit. Clear away leaves, grass, vines, and other obstructions within at least a foot and a half of the system, and trim back nearby shrubs or branches. Maintaining proper airflow helps prevent moisture buildup, supports efficient operation, and prepares your system for heavier use when warmer weather returns.
#3: Call Your Local HVAC Professional
This is the most important step. A local Trane Comfort Specialist will perform a thorough inspection of your heating system, checking the thermostat, ductwork, electrical components, fans, motors, refrigerant levels, and airflow. They can also provide recommendations for preventative measures to help you avoid unexpected wintertime emergencies. Professional maintenance not only ensures consistent comfort throughout the season but can also save you money by identifying and addressing potential issues before they turn into costly repairs.
#4: Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Connecting your HVAC system to the internet with a smart thermostat lets you control your home’s temperature from anywhere. Easily managed through your smartphone, a smart thermostat allows homeowners to adjust or turn off their system when they are away, helping reduce energy use and lower utility bills.
A standout option is the Trane ComfortLink® II XL1050. It is specifically designed to work with Trane’s top-of-the-line variable speed equipment and offers advanced scheduling capabilities. You can program temperature settings seven days a week, with up to four schedules per day, giving you the ability to customize comfort while potentially maximizing energy savings. With a smart thermostat like this, keeping your home more efficient and comfortable has never been easier.
#5: Check Your Home’s Insulation & Seals Cracks and Leaks
When your attic isn’t insulated properly, your HVAC system must work overtime to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout your home. The extra effort not only puts additional strain on your system, which can shorten its lifespan, but also increase your energy consumption and lead to high utility bills. Proper insulation helps your home stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reduces wear and tear on your HVAC unit and can save you money while improving overall comfort.
Sealing, caulking, or adding weatherstripping in your home wherever there are gaps and cracks is another effective way to keep warm air in and cold air out. Even small openings around window frames, door jambs, or thresholds can let cold drafts enter your home and force your HVAC system to work harder. These simple DIY projects can usually be completed using materials from your local hardware or home improvement store. Taking these steps can make your home more comfortable and help reduce energy loss throughout the winter season.
Sponsored: This blog post was sponsored by Trane Residential. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. Any statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with provider and please refer to this site’s Disclosure for more information. I have been compensated, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
