Florida might not be known for frigid winters, but when the cooler months roll in, you still want your home to be warm and comfortable. The fall season is the perfect time to prepare your heating system so it’s ready to go when you need it. A little preventative maintenance now can save you from unexpected breakdowns, high energy bills, or even safety issues when the temperatures drop.

Here are a few suggestions homeowners should do to get their heating system ready for the season ahead.

Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up

Before you even switch your thermostat to “heat,” it’s smart to have your system inspected by a licensed HVAC technician. During a fall tune-up, your technician will on gas systems:

• Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks
• Clean burners and check ignition systems
• Inspect and replace filters if needed
• Check thermostat function and calibration
• Lubricate fan motors
• Test safety controls

On electric systems, heat pumps or electric furnaces, we will check:

• Reversing valve operation
• Electric heat strip operation
• Coil cleanliness
• Test safety controls
• Check thermostat function and calibration
• Lubricate fan motors
  

This not only helps your system run more efficiently, but it also extends the life of your equipment. Plus, it can catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs that leave you without heat.

Replace or Clean Air Filters

Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of system breakdowns. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and could potentially cause a safety switch to trip. Ideally, you should check filters monthly and replace them every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and household activity (especially if you have pets or allergies).

Test Your Thermostat

Turn your thermostat to heat mode and make sure the system kicks on as expected. If you notice the house isn’t warming up evenly, or if the system doesn’t respond at all, it’s a good idea to call for a quick diagnostic check.

If you’re still using an older manual thermostat, this might be a great time to consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These can automatically adjust your settings based on your schedule, helping you save energy without thinking about it.

Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Any system that burns fuel (like gas furnaces) can potentially produce carbon monoxide. That’s why it’s crucial to have functioning carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and in hallways.

Test the alarms and replace the batteries. If your detectors are over 5–7 years old, consider replacing them entirely.

Clear Vents and Registers

Over the summer, it’s easy for furniture, rugs, or storage boxes to get placed over floor vents or wall registers. Walk through your home and make sure all vents are unobstructed so that air can flow freely.

Inspect Ductwork (If Accessible)

Leaks or disconnected sections of ductwork can lead to major heat loss — especially in attics or crawlspaces. If you can access your ducts safely, do a quick visual inspection or call in a pro to check for signs of gaps, damage, or poor insulation.

Sealing leaky ducts can drastically improve comfort and reduce heating costs.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Did you know your ceiling fans can help in the winter, too? Most ceiling fans have a small switch that changes the direction of the blades. In the winter, they should rotate clockwise to gently push warm air back down from the ceiling. This simple trick helps you feel warmer without adjusting the thermostat.

Comfort Starts with Prep

Getting your heating system ready doesn’t take much, but it can make a big difference. Whether you have a heat pump or a traditional furnace, fall is the time to get ahead of the game. At Woodall’s Total Comfort Systems, we offer comprehensive fall tune-ups to make sure your home is ready for whatever winter brings. Give us a call at 850-482-8802 or schedule your heating maintenance online. We’ll get your system cleaned, checked, and tuned — so you can enjoy a warm, stress-free season. Interested in year-round protection and priority service? Join our Comfort Club maintenance program for exclusive benefits and peace of mind.