It's summertime in Florida, which means one thing; hot, sticky weather. Most of us Floridians try to stay indoors as much as possible when the temperature outside reaches unbearable levels. But, what happens when you have to leave your air-conditioned home for work or errands? Chances are, you'll end up melting in the heat and want to retreat back into a cool home afterwards. But, what if you come home and your AC isn’t working?
One way to combat this is by taking some preventative steps to make sure your AC doesn't break down during a heat wave. In this blog, Florida Southern Air will discuss tips on keeping your AC running smoothly and preventing it from breaking down on a hot summer day!
Close Your Blinds and Curtains
One of the most important things you can do to prevent your AC from breaking down during a heat wave is to keep your blinds and curtains closed on sunny days. Natural sunlight is always a good thing, but when your AC is on, and the sun is shining directly into your home, this can defeat the purpose of an air conditioner. The sun will definitely add some unwanted heat, so keeping your blinds and curtains closed during extremely sunny days will block out the sun's rays and keep your home cooler.
Utilize Fans
Another way to prevent your AC from overworking itself is to utilize your fans. While fans do not create cool air, they can help circulate the air in your home, adding an extra cooling effect to keep you comfortable.
Change Your Air Filter
Another tip is to change your air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause your AC to work harder than it needs to and can ultimately lead to a breakdown. Your AC system will also have a hard time pushing cold air through a dirty filter, meaning your home will feel significantly warmer. Make sure you check your air filter monthly and replace it as needed.
Don’t Skip Seasonal Maintenance
Many homeowners forget to schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance until something goes wrong with their system. It’s extremely important to schedule seasonal maintenance for your AC to ensure any issues your system is having are caught early on to avoid further problems down the line.
Keep Your Thermostat at a Consistent Temperature
In addition, keeping the thermostat at a consistent temperature is crucial for preventing AC breakdowns. Avoid turning the temperature up or down too much, as this can put unnecessary strain on your AC unit. Instead, keep it at a comfortable temperature and let the AC do its job.
Keep Vents and Interior Doors Open
Finally, it's important to keep vents open, and interior doors open so that air can circulate throughout your home. Many homeowners believe the myth that closing vents in certain rooms will make other rooms cooler, but this is not true. Closing the vents or doors will put unnecessary stress on your AC system because your AC won’t actually know the vents and doors are closed. Your system will keep working the way it normally does, trying to force air out of the closed vents. So, by keeping your vents and interior doors open, you will ensure that your AC is working efficiently and not overworking itself.
By following these tips, you can prevent your AC from breaking down during a heat wave and enjoy a cool, comfortable summer. However, if you do end up experiencing AC issues this summer, let our team know right away by giving us a call at (813) 535-5332 or filling out our online contact form. We always want our customers to be comfortable in their homes, no matter what season it is.
