Get Ready for the Summer Heat. Follow These AC Tips.

With the heavy humidity of a Florida summer, a functioning A/C unit is a must.

Are you certain that you’ll be able to count on your air conditioner to consistently produce cool air as the temperature soars outside?

As a homeowner, you don’t just have to hope for the best. Simply by taking on a few preparatory tasks before the summer heat surges, you can help your system be ready to go- no matter what the weather throws your way.

Getting your A/C ready isn’t just about creating peace of mind. You can also save money by getting it more energy efficient. Ready to go? Here are some A/C tips to follow.

Plan Your Unit Replacement

How old is your A/C unit?

If you’ve had it for a decade or more, realize that a replacement is more than likely going to be required before too long.

Typically, an air conditioner will last 10 years.

If you proactively engage in preventative maintenance, you can often extend its life span for up to 15 years.

How do you know that your system is on the way out?

Keep watch for moisture on or around the unit, bad odors, rattling or whining noises, increased energy bills and air not cooling enough or moving well through your home.

Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely

Even though it’s really hot outside, don’t crank the thermostat down to compensate.

If you turn it too low, you force your A/C unit to ramp up production, which is going to cause it unnecessary stress and increase your energy bills.

The goal is to set it for 78°F.

If you still find that too warm, look for other ways to cool your home in addition to your air conditioning.

Run ceiling fans or position standalone fans for cross-ventilation.

Always close drapes or shades during the day to keep the heat of the sun out.

If it works for your property, plant trees near your windows to provide shade.

Have you had Your Inspection Done?

There are things that you can do to make sure that your air conditioner is working well.

Cleaning the outdoor condenser once in a while and making sure that it is free of debris are all things you can do at home to keep your unit running smoothly.

But in terms of the actual inspection and cleaning of system components, call in the pros.

They can identify problems before they get worse and make your system as energy efficient as possible.