Fall in South Tampa is a funny season. We’re not talking about snow boots and blizzards — but the weather does cool down just enough that you finally touch that thermostat for heat after ignoring it all summer. That’s usually when people discover problems. A heater or furnace that hasn’t been touched in seven or eight months doesn’t always wake up politely.

Before the first “cold snap” of the year hits, it’s smart to understand what typically goes wrong — and what to do about it.

1) The System Won’t Turn On After Months of Sitting

This is the #1 call we see every October and November. The thermostat clicks, but no heat comes on. The issue is often simple: a tripped breaker, a thermostat wiring issue, or the furnace safety switch is stuck after sitting all summer. But it can also be something more — like a failed ignitor, dirty flame sensor, stuck inducer fan, or a control board fault.

If you flip breakers and reset the thermostat and nothing happens, don’t keep cycling it. Continuous attempts sometimes make the problem worse. The safest move is to have a professional inspect the system.

Explore furnace repair options on ACS Home Services here.

2) A Burning or Dusty Smell the First Time You Turn It On

This one scares people every year. After sitting unused, dust collects on the furnace’s heat exchanger, heating elements, or duct surface. When you first fire it up, that dust burns off and releases a strong odor for 10–20 minutes. That is normal — as long as the smell clears quickly.

A smell that lingers, smells more like plastic or electrical, or fills the home with haze, is not normal. It should be shut down and inspected before it is rerun.

3) Weak or Uneven Heat in Certain Rooms

In South Tampa homes — especially older block construction or homes with additions — uneven heating is widespread. The cause usually lands in one of three buckets:

Ductwork leaks or collapsed flex duct
Clogged return or supply grilles
A failing or incorrectly sized system

If you have a room that never warms up, ductwork may need sealing or redesign — not just a new furnace. More info on system replacement here.

4) Short Cycling — Heat Comes On and Off Rapidly

Short cycling is when your system turns on, runs briefly, shuts off, and repeats. In Florida, this is often caused by:

Poor airflow from clogged filters or blocked returns
Overheating safety shutdowns
Bad flame sensor or ignitor
Oversized equipment for the home

Short cycling hurts efficiency and quickly wears out expensive parts. Don’t let it run that way all season.

5) Strange Noises After Months of Silence

When heat season returns, homeowners often hear sounds they forgot existed: loud starts, metal “pinging,” rattling, or vibration. Some are harmless duct expansion sounds — but any new noise that repeats or gets louder should be investigated before it breaks down when you need heat the most.

6) The Thermostat Reads Fine, But the System Blows Cold

This is almost always an ignition or flame sensor issue in gas furnaces. In heat pumps (extremely common in Florida), it may be:

Reversing valve failure
Low refrigerant
Bad defrost board
Outdoor fan not running

Running a heat pump with refrigerant or defrost problems can damage the compressor. If it’s blowing cool air, shut it down and schedule repair.

Explore heat pump repair services here.

Fall Is the Right Time to Catch Problems — Not January

In Florida, “winter” usually only gives us a handful of legitimately cold nights, and they often arrive without warning. That means everyone tries their heater in the same week, and repair schedules fill up fast. If you only remember you need service after a cold front arrives, you may be waiting days without heat.

A fall system check now prevents the surprise-no-heat moment later.

Schedule or learn more about heater/furnace service here.

FAQ — Heating Problems in South Tampa

1) Is it normal for my heater to smell when I turn it on for the first time?

Yes — a dusty smell for the first 10–20 minutes is typical. Anything burning, plastic-like, or persistent should be checked.

2) Do South Tampa homes need furnace maintenance if we barely use heat?

Yes, sitting unused all summer increases the risk of failure when you finally turn it on.

3) Can a heat pump replace a furnace in Florida?

Most South Tampa homes use heat pumps for cooling and heating.

4) Why is only one room cold?

Almost always, there is a duct issue, blocked return, or sizing problem — not just the heater.

5) Is short cycling harmful?

Yes — it wears out parts quickly and raises energy bills.

6) What should I check before calling for repair?

Replace the filter, check breakers, and verify thermostat settings. Then stop — don’t force it.

7) How often do heaters in Florida need service?

Once per year is recommended, even if you only heat for a few weeks.

8) Who should I call for heater or furnace repair in South Tampa?

ACS Home Services handles heater repair, heat pump troubleshooting, and furnace installation across South Tampa.