The scorching Florida temps can make it hard to keep your home cool. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable and your unit stays running when the temperatures rise.
Maintain Your HAC Unit
Can your HVAC unit take the heat this summer? Be sure to schedule an HVAC inspection with a trusted vendor before summer hits. No one wants to get stuck in the heat waiting for a repair, so don’t wait until it breaks.
A typical preventative maintenance service includes the following:
- Check refrigerant levels and inspect for leaks.
- Clean and straighten condenser coils to ensure proper airflow.
- Check gas connections for leaks.
- Tighten all electrical connections.
- Lubricate all moving parts.
- Test the thermostat to make sure it's cycling the system on and off properly.
- Check air filter.
Programable Thermostat
Installing a programable thermostat can help you keep your home cool and save money on energy costs. If you’re out of the house all day, your thermostat can be programmed to reduce the temperature a few degrees before you come home, so when you arrive it’s comfortably cool without wasting energy all day.
How often should you change your thermostat?
Unfortunately, like any piece of machinery, a thermostat won’t last forever. Replacing yours before it stops working may be vital in avoiding discomfort in your home.
Knowing when to replace your thermostat requires being on the lookout for early warning signs of a problem. However, because many of these warning signs can occur when your HVAC system needs attention, it may be necessary to coordinate with professionals if you’re having trouble diagnosing the issue.
- When to replace your thermostat:
- An AC Unit that Won’t Turn on or Off
- The Thermostat is Unresponsive
- Programmable Settings Are Lost
- Inconsistent Temperature
Install a Mini Split
A mini-split is a mix between a built-in unit and a wall unit. A system can be mounted anywhere and is an economical alternative for a ductless home.
Close the blinds
For windows that receive direct sunlight, you’ll benefit from closing the blinds closed or the curtains drawn during the sunniest part of the day. For rooms on lower floors, try turning your blinds upwards to prevent rays (and heat) from sneaking through.
Apply Heat Reducing Film
Roughly 30% of your home's heat is absorbed through your home’s windows. An easy and cost-efficient way to keep your home cool is to apply a reflective, heat-reducing window film to regulate the temperature. As a bonus, it even works in reverse, keeping warm air inside your home during the winter months.
Give Your Ducts a Boost
Installing a duct booster fan can draw more cool air into a room that’s too hot. Choose the design that’s right for you, place it in the register vent, and plug it in for a quick and easy way to cool your space.
Install Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans creates air movement that will help you cool down while avoiding the costs associated with dropping the temperature on the thermostat. During the summer months, run your ceiling fan counterclockwise to draw the cooler air upwards. Additionally, you can run your bathroom exhaust fans during the summer months to help pull the rising warm air outside your home.
Use a Portable A/C
A portable air conditioning unit is a great solution for cooling the most frequented areas of your home. Being portable is a huge bonus! Units can easily be moved from room to room to keep you and yours comfortable.
Plant Foliage
While it can take years before you reap the benefits, planting shade trees and foliage around your home can help stop heat from seeping in through the windows and roof.
Also, be sure the plants you choose are Florida Friendly to reduce the need for watering.
Grill More
Take your meals outside. When temperatures soar, choose to grill your meals instead of using the oven, which can raise the temperature inside your home. From pizza to steak, numerous family-friendly meals can be cooked on the grill.
Keep Interior Doors Open
Keep your interior doors open. This simple step is crucial in helping ensure your home stays cool. By keeping doors open, you allow the air to circulate freely, which eliminates hot spots and regulates the temperature within your home.
Bottom line, service your system now to prevent discomfort during the heat of summer.
Ashley Cook
Assistant Property Manager