PLANTATION, Fla. — As colder temperatures move into South Florida, heating and air conditioning companies say they are seeing a surge in service calls from homeowners making sure their systems are ready.
Joshua Johnson was among them after his home heating system failed as temperatures began to drop.
“I tried to work on the heat on the thermostat. Raised the temperature, turned it on. Nothing was happening,” Johnson said.
With a 105-year-old grandfather living in the home, Johnson said staying warm was a priority.
“We’ve got grandpa, 105 years. Got to definitely keep him warm,” he said.
Unable to identify the problem himself, Johnson called Quality Air Conditioning Company. Technician Thiago Menezes said the issue was quickly diagnosed and repaired.
“And then the heater just came back running. It was a simple task, we got that,” Menezes said.
Company officials expect demand to continue climbing as temperatures fall. David Sasson of Quality Air Conditioning Company said additional staff are already on hand.
“We actually have extra staff on hand right now we know we’re know we’re going to be getting a large amount of heat calls,” Sasson said.
Sasson urged homeowners not to wait until the coldest weather arrives to test their systems, recommending they run heaters for at least 15 minutes in advance.
“Don’t wait to test your systems. Test them prior to it getting cold,” he said.
He added that homeowners may notice a burning smell when turning on heat for the first time of the season, saying it is usually normal.
“Oftentimes you’re going to smell a burning smell coming off the heating elements, it’s totally normal,” Sasson said. “That’s basically the smell of the dust burning off the element.”
Back at Johnson’s home, the repair made an immediate difference.
“Hot actually, I feel hot. The heat is working too good,” Johnson said.
Johnson said his family now plans to enjoy the cooler weather, including spending time outdoors by a fire.
Fire officials shared additional home heating safety tips as South Florida prepares for the coldest temperatures of the season.
Hollywood Fire Rescue Cpt. Eric Lombardi explained the potential dangers for both agriculture and home safety.
“Some forecasts are coming in at 31 degrees with a slight wind,” Lombardi said. “If that wind should die, you know, the ice will settle and the plants can’t take it.”
Local 10’s Aaron Maybin also spoke with HFR’s Chai Kauffman about home heating safety. She said space heaters, in particular, need careful use.
“Specifically in your home, just be safe. I know you want to be warm. Do not use an oven to warm up your home, do not use the stove to warm up your home,” she said. “Use the actual things that are used for — your heaters in your home or the space heaters — but make sure if you use the space heaters there again, three feet away from any burning material.
Officials also urged the public not to fall asleep or go anywhere without turning them off.
“Run your heaters as you need. Get them on a little early. It’s going to take time for the house to come up to temperature,” said Lombardi.
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