In St. Augustine, the transition from summer to fall can be a little different than it is in other parts of the country. We may still have warm days, but cooler evenings and mornings mean your HVAC system is beginning to shift from primarily cooling your home to heating it.
That transition can reveal issues that weren’t noticeable during the summer months. Here are a few things homeowners should be on the lookout for as they begin using their heat.
Don’t Be Alarmed by a Burning Smell When You First Turn on the Heat
One of the most common things that homeowners experience when they turn on their heat for the first time in the fall is a slight burning smell. While any unusual odor from your HVAC system can be concerning, it is often completely normal.
During the summer, dust can settle on the heat strips inside your system. As a result, those heat strips become hot and burn off the accumulated dust, creating a temporary burning odor.
In most cases, the smell should gradually disappear as the dust burns away. However, if the smell lasts more than a few days of regular use it might be time to have it checked by an HVAC professional, as a persistent odor could indicate an issue that needs attention.
Low Refrigerant Can Affect Your Heat Pump
Your heat pump plays an important role in both cooling and heating your home. If your system has low refrigerant (often referred to as “Freon”), it can affect the heat pump’s ability to operate properly.
One thing that can make this problem particularly difficult to recognize is your system’s electric heat. If the heat pump isn’t operating as it should, the electric heat may automatically kick in to help maintain the temperature inside your home. That means your house may still feel warm even though there is an underlying problem with the heat pump.
Without a professional inspection, you may not realize that your system is working harder or relying on electric heat to compensate.
Seasonal Maintenance Can Help Catch Problems Early
This is one reason regular HVAC maintenance is especially important as the seasons change. At Glacier Heating & Air, our maintenance plan includes twice-annual service designed to help keep your system operating efficiently and identify potential problems before they become bigger issues.
During maintenance, refrigerant levels and the electrical components of your system are among the things our technicians check. Identifying low refrigerant or electrical issues early can help prevent unexpected heating problems when you need your system most.
A Little Preparation Can Go a Long Way
Your HVAC system has been working hard through another Florida summer. Before cooler weather arrives, it’s a good time to pay attention to how your system responds when you switch from cooling to heating.
If your St. Augustine home’s HVAC system is due for seasonal maintenance; Glacier Heating & Air is here to help keep your system ready for whatever Florida weather brings next. Not currently on a Maintenance Plan, visit our website to learn more: www.glacier-hvac.com.
