Most Florida residents are accustomed to dealing with their home’s air conditioning. The heat of summer will keep most AC units running for most of the year. But an AC isn’t the only HVAC system people use. For a few months out of the year, turning the heat on is necessary—even in Florida.
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For some, this time of the year is full of questions. When should I turn my heat on? What can I do to use less heat? How cold are Florida winters? Keep reading to answer these burning questions about home comfort.
How Cold Do Winters Get in Tampa?
The weather in Tampa is relatively warm throughout the year. Residents usually see high temperatures of around 86°F during the warmer months. Weather typically stays warm for most of the year, only diving down in December, January, and February.
During these few months, it can get decently chilly. Daily highs drop to around 74°F, while lows reach around 52°F, which catches many residents by surprise.
When Should You Turn Your Heat On?
There’s no direct answer for when you should turn your heat on because the answer is different for everyone. It depends on your situation and what you prefer.
Most people tend to feel most comfortable turning their heat on when the temperature outside starts to dip below 64°F. However, you may prefer to turn it on later if you like the cold.
You may want to consider scheduling an HVAC tune-up before you turn your heating system on for the first time. When you leave it sitting for months and months without using it, there’s a possibility it won’t function as well when you try to start it. Then you’ll be left in the cold while you wait for furnace repair services. Scheduling a tune-up beforehand can prevent this problem. It can also aid in detecting minor issues before they escalate into major problems, promoting the more efficient operation of your heating system.
How to Maintain Indoor Temperature
- Use a programmable thermostat: Your home’s thermostat directly impacts the function of your HVAC system, so having a good one is essential. Programmable thermostats are smart devices that you can program to change based on the time of day. This allows you to use less energy on heating while you’re sleeping or away from home.
- Change the way your ceiling fans spin: Hot air rises. That’s why large rooms are more difficult to heat. It might seem counterintuitive, but try turning on your ceiling fans to push the hot air down for extra warmth.
- Don’t block vents: Furniture is often placed in front of your HVAC system’s vents, cutting off the flow of warm air and preventing your system from working as it should.
- Eliminate drafts: If there are little gaps between your house and the outdoors, it provides a way for warm air to escape and cool air to enter. These openings are particularly common around doors and windows. By sealing these up, you can keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
- Change your furnace filter: The air your furnace produces passes through a filter on its way into your home. This filter becomes clogged up over time, disrupting the flow of air. You can fix this problem by replacing the filter every one to three months.
- Adjust your water heater: By lowering the temperature of your water heater by a few degrees, you can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Why Choose IERNA’s?
IERNA’s Heating & Cooling is the top choice when it comes to HVAC services in Tampa, Florida. We’ve served residents in the area since 2003. Over the years, we’ve gained an in-depth understanding of what homeowners need from their HVAC systems and what services those systems need. This understanding helps us serve the people better by meeting their needs as they arise.
We can also address all your heating-related needs. We’ll be there for the stressful times when you need your furnace repaired or replaced immediately. We’ll also be there when you want your heating system inspected or your home’s thermostat upgraded. IERNA’s will be there for you for whatever issue you encounter.