Heating in North Central Florida is a part-time job for your system — which is exactly why it sometimes fails on the first cold night. Here is how to troubleshoot.
First steps
Confirm the thermostat is set to heat and above room temperature. Replace a dirty filter. Check the breaker. A faint burning smell on first use is usually just dust burning off idle elements and clears in a few minutes.
Heat-pump specifics
If a heat pump runs but does not warm the house, it may be low on refrigerant, stuck in a defrost cycle, or leaning heavily on auxiliary heat. Frequent "emergency heat" use is a sign something needs attention rather than a normal mode to leave it in.
When to call
No heat during a freeze is worth a prompt call — we offer after-hours emergency service. Persistent burning smells, repeated breaker trips, or gas-system faults should be checked right away.
Surge protectors: how low voltage and power fluctuations affect your HVAC system
Many of the HVAC problems we encounter are electrical in nature. Over time, electrical components naturally wear down, but low voltage conditions, voltage drops, brownouts, and repeated power interruptions can accelerate that process significantly.
When voltage drops below the level equipment is designed to operate at, motors and other electrical components must work harder to perform the same job. This often results in increased amperage draw, which creates additional heat and stress on wiring, capacitors, contactors, relays, circuit boards, and compressor motors.
Modern HVAC systems contain sophisticated electronic controls and computer boards that are particularly sensitive to electrical irregularities. Repeated exposure to low voltage, power fluctuations, and unstable utility service can shorten the lifespan of these components and increase the likelihood of premature failure.
In North Central Florida, power quality issues are often associated with severe weather, aging electrical infrastructure, overloaded circuits, and utility interruptions. Adding a surge protector will help protect your investment. Modern AC systems rely on sensitive circuit boards and complex electronics, and a single power surge from a storm, lightning strike, or grid fluctuation can cause damage that costs over $1,000 to repair.
HVAC air filters
Not all filters are the same. HVAC filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) system, which measures an air filter's ability to capture airborne particles ranging from 0.3 to 20 microns in size. A MERV rating of 1–4 is the lowest and 20 is the highest. A typical residential home HVAC filter will range from 5–16 MERV, with 13–16 being the most effective and efficient and helping filter out allergen- and bacteria-causing particles. A 17–20 MERV rated filter is considered ultra-high filtration, comparable to a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Depending on the brand, size, and MERV rating of the filter on your HVAC system, the rating will determine how often the filter must be changed.
Ductwork: the part of your HVAC system you can't afford to ignore
Many Florida homes built before the 1970s were constructed long before today's energy-efficient HVAC systems existed. The duct systems installed in those homes were designed for the equipment, building standards, and energy expectations of that era, not for the high-efficiency heating and cooling systems available today.
Florida's building requirements have evolved significantly over the decades. Major changes began with the implementation of statewide building standards in the 1970s, followed by the introduction of the Florida Energy Code in 1980, which increased the focus on energy efficiency and building performance. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Florida adopted even more stringent building codes that further improved construction standards, energy performance, and system design requirements.
Today's HVAC equipment is engineered to operate with properly designed, sized, sealed, and balanced ductwork. Even the most efficient air conditioner or heat pump cannot perform as intended if the duct system is undersized, oversized, poorly sealed, or improperly configured.
Older duct systems commonly suffer from issues such as air leakage, inadequate return air capacity, poor airflow distribution, deteriorated insulation, and designs that simply do not match the airflow requirements of modern equipment. These problems can lead to uneven temperatures, excessive humidity, higher energy bills, reduced comfort, and unnecessary wear on HVAC components.
When replacing an HVAC system, the ductwork should be evaluated just as carefully as the equipment itself. In many cases, homeowners invest in a new high-efficiency system but continue to experience comfort and performance issues because the existing duct system was never designed to support the airflow demands of modern equipment.
Simply put, your ductwork is the delivery system for your home's comfort. A properly designed and installed HVAC system includes not only quality equipment, but also ductwork capable of delivering the right amount of conditioned air to every room efficiently and reliably.
Talk to a local expert
Have a question about your specific system? Bertie Heating & Air has served Gainesville and North Central Florida since 1991. Call (352) 331-2005 for honest advice, a fast repair, or a free in-home estimate.