Ac Tips For Your Southwest Florida Home
It’s hot again in Southwest Florida- not a big surprise. The Florida climate can be harsh on an AC system- with temperatures that soar into the high 90s and low 100s, your AC works overtime to keep you cool and comfortable. Our AC department got together and provided us with some tips on how to make life easier for your AC system- thus prolonging its life and saving you money!
Replace Your Air Filters.
Changing your air filters regularly ensures proper airflow throughout the system. Clean filters also ensure optimum air quality throughout the home. Clogged filters can reduce airflow so dramatically that the system freezes over and stops cooling entirely. With reduced airflow also comes increased allergens in the air within the home. If your filters are dirty, this will aggravate existing indoor allergies as well as trigger asthma. To keep you AND your AC healthy- change your filters regularly!
Regular changing times vary depending on the home and its usage. For homes with one or two people (non-smokers, no pets) filters should be changed every 3 months. For homes with more than 3 people, smokers, or pets- filters should be changed monthly. If residents in the home have allergies or asthma- consider a higher quality and thicker filter to capture more airborne irritants.
Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Just like we need to see the dentist every 6 months to maintain our pearly whites- your AC system also needs regular maintenance to continue running smoothly. Keep in mind that maintenance should always be performed by a licensed, certified, professional HVAC technician. Proper system maintenance should include:
- Replacing/cleaning customer supplied filters
- Cleaning condensate drain line
- Inspecting/Cleaning evaporator coils
- Checking thermostat function
- Monitoring air temperatures
- Cleaning the condensate drain pan
- Tightening wiring connections
- Measuring voltage and amperage
- Monitoring contractor function
- Inspecting safety controls
Maintenance visits are designed to catch issues before they become major costly repairs and to prolong the life of your system.
Consider Installing Ceiling Fans
In order to make it easier on your system in the hottest months- consider installing ceiling fans in rooms that are inhabited the most. Ceiling fans provide a little extra relief without having to lower the thermostat and add additional strain to the system. But it is important to remember- ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. Be sure to conserve energy and shut off your ceiling fans when you aren’t in the room. You can’t cool someone who isn’t there!
For all of your AC filter and maintenance needs, be sure to call a professional. Here at BHS, we have a full team of licensed, uniformed, certified HVAC professionals who arrive at your home in fully stocked trucks to ensure you’re taken care of same day in most cases. Take a look at our web scheduler below to request an appointment, or give us a call at (239) 946-4426 !
