A comfortable climate-controlled home environment provides a welcome respite from the heat of an unrelenting Florida summer. However, for infants, seniors, people with certain medical conditions, and even small pets, a cool house is not only a matter of comfort but for survival. Protect your family and safeguard your health by maintaining your air conditioning system in good working order.
Simple Steps with Big Impact
When it is time to replace or repair your AC system, you will most likely need to call a professional service. Regular maintenance, however, is well within the ability of any conscientious homeowner or apartment dweller.
- Change or clean your air filter as often as necessary. During the hot summer months in Florida when your AC system is heavily used, it is advisable to check your air filter at least once a month. Not maintaining your AC system properly results in erratic cooling performance with increased energy usage and higher energy bills. Replacing or keeping your air filter clean can sometimes result in lowering energy consumption by as much as 15 percent.
- For window-type air conditioners, inspect the seal between the unit and the window frame to make sure it is intact. A damaged seal lets cool air escape and hot air enter your house, thus forcing your AC unit to work harder to keep you comfortable.
- Maintaining the outdoor condenser coils of your air conditioner extends its life and keeps it in peak working condition. Keep the area around it free of debris and protect it as much as possible from the elements. During the winter months or extended periods when you will not be using your AC system, cover the coils to prevent them from getting dirty or damaged.
Regular maintenance helps your air conditioning system run as efficiently as possible. This saves you money by lowering your energy bills and extends the life of your system or unit.
