The real heat of summer is finally here and homeowners in Florida have already cranked their AC systems to max settings. Enjoying that cool air is the prime benefit of your home’s HVAC system – but how else can you ensure you stay cool this summer?

Your air conditioning comes from some complex modern technology, but fortunately you can keep it running at maximum efficiency with some simple steps. Here’s how!

Cool Your Home Before You Need It

The simplest step is the most obvious one for homeowners to keep their homes cool – turn on the AC!

But you shouldn’t only turn it on when it’s at its hottest outside. Instead, keep your air conditioner running before it’s actually needed. That way when the temperatures reach their peak, the system won’t have as much work to do to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Also, running the system before it’s needed most is a great time to check that everything is working properly. Make sure the air coming from each vent is as cool as it should be and ensure you have everything set correctly.

Keeping Your HVAC System Well-Maintained

Whether your home air conditioning system is brand new or a decade old, it’s important to keep it regularly maintained to ensure optimal performance. HVAC maintenance procedures for homeowners include:

• Keeping your drainage line free of debris.
• Cleaning or change your HVAC system’s air filter.
• Checking for leaks in drain lines and ductwork.
• Listening for unusual noises, including grinding, hissing, rattling, etc.
• Removing debris, vegetation, and obstructions from your outdoor AC unit.
• Scheduling preventative maintenance with a Jacksonville, FL HVAC company near you.

Cut Down on Summer Cooling Costs

If you want to save money this summer on cooling costs, wear lightweight, breathable clothing when indoors. You should keep your thermostat set above 75 degrees – though the US Department of Energy recommends keeping it at 78 degrees during the summer.

While you may be tempted to crank your thermostat down to the lowest setting possible to combat the temperatures outside, it’s not really necessary to keep you comfortable. Also, the lower you set your system, the more work it’ll have to do to maintain that temperature and the higher your monthly utility bills will be.

You can also take advantage of other systems in your home like ceiling fans. These work in tandem with your air conditioning to circulate air more effectively and save you money on keeping each room cool. They also make the indoor air feel cooler because they help to create a wind chill effect.

Contact Your Local AC Experts

If you want to keep cool all summer long, trust in the local HVAC experts at Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air. To learn more about summer cooling tips, give us a call today at (904)685-8937!