Nine Ways to Prepare for the
Hot Florida Summer Now!
Although the first official day of summer isn’t until June 20th this year, we know Florida gets hot much earlier than summertime. When the first day of summer officially starts, it can already be sweltering hot here. Get prepared now for the heat to make sure that you will have reliable air conditioning when you really need it. If you are proactive now, then you will be able to save yourself time and money by making sure you and your home are ready.
Here are nine things you can do NOW to prepare yourself for Florida’s warmer temperatures.
1. Change Your Air Filters
You’ve heard this one before. Changing your filter at least once every three months will keep the air circulating through your home clean and your system working efficiently. If you have pets, you’ll need to change it more often.
2. Turn Your A/C On (it’s been a while)
If you like to open windows during the cooler times in Florida, you may have turned off your system. It may have been months since the cooling portion of your HVAC system has been running. Turn on the thermostat to confirm that everything is in good working order before you have to depend on it for you and your family’s comfort.
3. Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Having annual or semi-annual maintenance performed by one of our trusted technicians will help reduce the chance of system failure. It will also maintain your air conditioner’s efficiency and prolong the equipment’s life.
4. If Needed, Replace Your Old System
If your HVAC system is on its last leg and needs replacing, go ahead and schedule the replacement now before you have to sweat it out for up to two weeks before an installation day is available in the middle of the summer, which is most HVACs busiest time of the year. We encourage you to replace your system sooner than later to avoid those additional days of discomfort.
5. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Take control of your comfort by investing in a programmable thermostat. You’ll save money and avoid the headache of having to continually reset the temperature depending on your schedule.
6. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Free of Debris
We recommend keeping at least 1 to 3 feet of horizontal clearance of your outside HVAC unit to allow for optimum air intake. Leave 4 to 6 vertical feet of clearance to ensure proper heat dispersal. Especially after a Florida storm, make sure all debris is cleared from the unit.
7. Block Out Pests
Pests may attempt to invade your home this summer. Seals around your home should be checked. Make sure you are using a pest control company to do pest maintenance to prevent infestations. Check under your sinks and any other warm areas inside your home as well.
8. Prevent Water Damage
Check your roof, gutters, windows, foundation, and doors for any damage before AND after any summer thunderstorms. Being proactive can save you a lot of money in the long run.
9. Make Room for Frozen Treats
This one is for the people who have a sweet tooth. Clean out your refrigerator and freezer to make room for your favorite snack. It will be a pleasant surprise this summer when you need a cool down.
Contact Us
At Air Shield Heating & Cooling, our highly-trained residential HVAC technicians are available 24/7 — 365 days a year to provide service for your home or small business. Call us today at (813) 796-6398 or contact us online.