Living in Wellington, we spend the vast majority of our year focused on one thing: keeping cool. We obsess over SEER ratings, insulation, and airflow to battle the relentless South Florida heat. So, the idea of turning on the heat can feel almost foreign, perhaps even unnecessary. You might think, “It’s Florida; do I really need to worry about my heating system?”
Ask any Wellington resident who has woken up at 6:00 AM for equestrian training or an early tee time in late December, and the answer is a resounding “Yes.” Our “winter” may be short, but when a cold front pushes through, temperatures in the western communities can dip into the 40s or even the 30s. In a home designed to release heat (tile floors, high ceilings), that chill penetrates quickly. There is nothing more jarring than waking up in a freezing house because the heating system you haven’t touched in 10 months refused to turn on. Preparing your heat pump now ensures that your comfort remains uninterrupted, no matter what the thermometer says.
Understanding Your System: The Magic
of the Heat Pump
Unlike homes in the north that rely on gas furnaces, most homes in Wellington are cooled and heated by a heat pump. If you are new to the area or unfamiliar with the technology, it’s important to understand that you don’t have a separate “heater.” You have one system that does both jobs.
A heat pump is essentially an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In the summer, it absorbs heat from inside your home and dumps it outside. In the winter, a specialized component called a reversing valve switches the flow of refrigerant. The system then finds heat energy in the outdoor air (even when it feels cold to us, there is still heat energy in the air) and pumps it into your home.
The "Stuck Valve" Syndrome: Why Maintenance Matters
Because we use the cooling mode for 90% of the year, the reversing valve in your heat pump sits in one position for months on end. When that first chilly night arrives in December and you switch the thermostat to “Heat,” that valve needs to physically shift to reverse the flow.
Like any mechanical part that isn’t used often, the reversing valve can get stuck. If it fails to shift, your thermostat will say “Heat,” the fan will blow, but the air coming out will be cold because the unit is still technically in air conditioning mode. This is one of the most common service calls we receive during the first cold snap of the year.
A professional fall tune-up involves testing this heating cycle before you actually need it. A technician from Richard’s AC can cycle the system, ensuring the valve shifts smoothly and the system engages correctly.
The "Cold Blow" Panic: Is It Broken?
Another common concern for Wellington homeowners is the temperature of the air. If you are used to the scorching hot blast of a gas furnace or electric heater, a heat pump can feel underwhelming. Heat pumps typically deliver air that is around 90-95°F. While this is warm enough to heat your home, it is below our body temperature (98.6°F), so if you put your hand directly over the vent, the air might feel “lukewarm” or even cool to the touch.
When to worry: While mild air is normal, cold air is not. If the temperature in the house is dropping despite the system running, or if the unit is going into “Defrost” mode frequently (where it melts ice off the outdoor unit) without producing heat inside, you have a problem that requires professional diagnosis.
The Emergency Backup: Checking
Your Heat Strips
On those rare nights when it gets near freezing in Wellington, a heat pump can lose efficiency. That’s why your system is equipped with “Emergency Heat” or “Auxiliary Heat”—essentially large electric heating coils (heat strips) inside your air handler. These act like a giant toaster to provide supplemental warmth.
These strips are your safety net. However, because they are rarely used, dust can settle on them (causing that burning smell we discussed previously), or electrical connections can corrode. If your heat pump fails or can’t keep up, you need to know for a fact that these emergency strips will fire up. A pre-season inspection includes testing the amperage draw of these strips to ensure they are ready to save the day (or night).
Comfort for Early Risers
Wellington is an early-rising community. Whether you are heading to the stables, the school drop-off line, or the office, your morning routine shouldn’t involve shivering while you drink your coffee. A reliable heating system maintains the luxury comfort standard of your home year-round, not just in summer. It ensures your home remains a sanctuary, regardless of the weather outside.
Don’t Get Left in the Cold
Trust the experts who understand the specific HVAC needs of Wellington homes. For professional AC and Heating Repair Service, Richard’s AC is the preferred choice for homeowners in Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County.
Schedule your heating check-up today and stay cozy all season long.
