Floridians know how hot the summers get. But most Floridians love the climate here if they have a comfortable place to escape the heat. Likewise, we all know how much work the AC does for our home’s temperature. It seems never to stop running in the summer months. So how can you help keep your house cool in the summer?
Veterans AC & Heat knows the wear and tear placed on our Florida air conditioning systems. The demand for AC units in the summer can really take a toll on your HVAC system. So, we have gathered some helpful information on how you can keep your house cool throughout the summer months.
If you need immediate AC repair, contact us at Veterans AC & Heat to schedule an appointment. We don’t want you to suffer the heat in the Florida summer months. That is why our technicians will be right out to get your AC up and running again.
Preventative Maintenance First
The first step to keeping your HVAC working well is to ensure you are on a preventative maintenance plan with your local HVAC company. These plans are designed with your system in mind and the seasonal changes it will need. Maintaining your HVAC will help ensure it runs for as long as possible and most efficiently.
When the technician comes out to perform the preventative maintenance on your system, here is what homeowners can expect. Our team will check all the systems and lines to ensure they are working correctly. Then they will check levels and clean the unit top to bottom. With two annual visits or more, your HVAC unit will be able to handle the changes from Winter to Spring and from Summer to Fall.
Here are the additional benefits of enrolling in a plan with Veterans AC & Heat.
- The technician will identify broken or worn parts in need of repair or replacement before they get worse.
- They will ensure your system is as energy-efficient as possible.
- The indoor air quality will improve with clean filters and ductwork, which can reduce allergies.
- The ductwork will undergo a thorough inspection, which can be a significant expense if it is torn or damaged in any way.
- And the life of your unit will be extended with regular maintenance.
Contact our team to enroll in your home’s HVAC maintenance plan to avoid costly repairs at inopportune times.
You Can Help Keep the House Cool in the Summer
Keeping your house cool is essential, and there are some things you can do to help keep the cool air in and the heat out. Also, there are minor tasks you can complete to help enhance the efficiency of your HVAC unit.
Keeping Cool Air In
If your AC is having a difficult time keeping up, the cool air could be escaping. There are a few things you can try before calling out your professional HVAC technician. What’s more, there are several small things you can try that may seem simple but make a big difference in the temperature of your home.
The Home’s Windows
A good start would be to close your window treatments during the hottest part of the day when the sun is out. “It sounds basic, but if the sun comes in through your windows, it’s going to make your house warm. Using things like window coverings to their full advantage in the middle of the day can keep your house cooler by keeping that sunlight from coming in, particularly if you are gone during the day, and in rooms that face west or south”, says NBC News.
Set Your Thermostat
Most likely, there are times of the day when you are still hot in the house even though the AC is running. That afternoon sun can really build up heat in the home. However, it will cool again when the sun goes down. When you set your thermostat to adjust to those hours, you ensure you do not freeze the unit in the evening.
Additionally, if you are not home during the day, turn your thermostat up a few degrees. That way, the system isn’t running so hard, and you save some dollars on your electric bill. 76 to 78 degrees is a good average, so you do not overwork the unit when you return home.
Keeping the Doors Closed Helps You Stay Cool in the Summer
Another tip is to keep the doors of the home closed at all times. Try to avoid holding the door open for any length of time. Help main rooms by closing off any rooms that you are not using by shutting the doors during the hottest part of the day. And don’t forget to check the weather stripping on the doors for cracks and shifting.
Use Your Fans Ceiling Fans
Yes, turning ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction can help. By keeping them running, you will create a nice wind-chill effect that should allow you to set your thermostat about 4 degrees higher than usual.
Mobile Fans Allow Rooms to Cool in the Summer
For the same reason, homeowners can place floor and table fans in strategic places. Place a fan in the area you dress, at the foot of the bed at night, and cool down the kitchen while you’re cooking.
Bathroom and Kitchen Exhaust Fans
Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to allow heat and humidity to dissipate quickly. Using exhaust fans is also an essential component in helping out your HVAC system by reducing the humidity levels in your home.
Electronics and Appliances
Although it may seem small, electronics generate heat even when sitting idle or when turned off. Unplugging your devices from the walls when not using them helps. Run your appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer) during the evening to not create additional heat during the day.
Self-Care is Essential
Often, we forget about ourselves and self-care. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your body regulate temperature. Besides, you can make choices to hang out in interior rooms during the hottest points of the day. Rooms with fewer windows stay a bit cooler.
Take time to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun night by the grill for the entire family. Not only is it an excellent way to spend time and embrace the Florida summer, but it will keep your home cooler too. You see, the cooktop and oven generate a considerable amount of heat that gets trapped in the house but cooking outside eliminates one source of evening heat.
When your home still isn’t staying cool, call a professional local HVAC company to check out your system?
The Efficiency of Your HVAC Unit
Now let’s take a look at some DIY projects you can do to keep that HVAC system running smoothly, all year long, and in between those all-important maintenance visits.
The Thermostat
Did you know you can turn your thermostat down lower overnight to help cool the home in the morning? Cooling at night will help reduce the overall temperature of the walls and floors. This allows the system to operate and run better during the heat of the next day. While the system will be more efficient after dark when the outside temperature is lower, this method will also drive up your energy bill. So make sure you proceed while keeping an eye on your energy bill.
And, in the evening, while temperatures are dropping, turn on your whole-house fan to bring cooler air into your home. This will give your system a well-deserved break during the worst months.
The HVAC Unit
When the unit can’t keep up due to the heat, use your garden hose and cool the system down a few times a day. The evaporating water will help it cool. Or you can turn on a sprinkler near your outdoor unit to ensure the entire unit is getting wet. Doing so may give you a couple of extra degrees of cooling on your AC inside while you wait for a repair.
HVAC Filters
Ensure you check all your home filters and keep them clean or replaced to make the air conditioner do a better job keeping up with airflow. The recommended time between replacement is listed on the outside of the filter. Read the label to see if it is a three-month or a monthly replacement filter and follow the instructions accordingly.
Home Insulation
Proper insulation in your attic and exterior walls can make all the difference in keeping your home comfortable in the summer and warm in the winter. You sure don’t want that heat from the roof getting into your house. Your attic’s insulation helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Veterans Will Help Your House Stay Cool in the Summer
Our customers have called Veterans AC & Heat one of the highest-rated AC repair & service companies in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Our team responds quickly to all your HVAC needs, even in the hottest summer months. Call Veterans AC & Heat to find out why our customers call us one of the best in Florida for AC repair and service.
Contact the pros at Veterans AC & Heat to discuss maintenance, AC repair, and free estimates.
