Tampa Bay residents know just how important an air conditioner is from the very start of summer. Locals battle not just heat, but consistent humidity as well. As a summer staple, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not overworking your HVAC system so that it doesn’t go on the fritz when you need it most.

Here are some helpful tips that can keep your HVAC system functional and ready to battle the Florida heat for you.

1. Check and Replace Your Air FIlter

On average, you should check your air filter once a month, but different factors and circumstances can affect how frequently you should replace them. If your home has pets or is located in a dusty area, you’ll need to swap the filter out every 60 days. If you don’t get many allergens coming through your system and keep your air conditioner use to a minimum, you can stretch it even further.

When your air filter becomes clogged the efficiency is reduced and air flow becomes weaker. This forces your HVAC system to work harder, which can shorten its lifespan. This is especially true during the warmer months when the system is trying to push air through more frequently.

If your air filter is clean and clear, then your air conditioner will have a considerably easier time keeping your home or business cool this summer.

2. Limit the Amount of Heat Inside

Your home heats up for a laundry list of reasons besides when you turn your heater on (which you’re probably not doing during the summer!) Indoor cooking, televisions and other electronics, open blinds, and open doors or windows all either generate heat or allow heat into your home. The temperature inside quietly rises and forces your air conditioner to overcompensate for the heat.

When opening and closing access to the outdoors, be quick about shutting a window or door so cool air doesn’t flow out and hot air doesn’t flow in. You can also close your blinds or curtains to keep the sun from heating the inside when you’re not home. 

3. Clean Your Air Ducts

Your ducts can accumulate debris all year round that may block air flow and prevent your HVAC system from working efficiently. It’s a good practice to regularly have your air ducts professionally cleaned and inspected. An experienced HVAC contractor can identify any necessary repairs that need to be addressed and have your ductwork in perfect working order for the hot Florida season.

4. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Whether it’s due to your normal work and errand schedule or because you’re outdoors taking advantage of the summer sun, you may not be home for several hours during the day. During that time, it’s a good idea to give your air conditioning a break.

At the same time, not many people are keen on coming home to a hot and stuffy house. Thankfully, today we have incredible technology that allows smart thermostats to be controlled with a mobile device. You can control your air conditioning from anywhere and have your home primed for your return without leaving the HVAC toiling away all day. This saves stress on the system without compromising on your comfort.

5. Regularly Schedule HVAC Maintenance

The best way to keep your air conditioner in top condition is to regularly have it inspected and worked on by a professional and licensed HVAC contractor. An expert will be able to detect if and why your system is working harder than it should and will be able to perform necessary maintenance.

During the summer, it’s a good idea to have a maintenance check performed early on so you can spare your home or business the headache of a downed unit at the height of warm weather. It’ll also save you extra money in the long run, as you’ll prevent unnecessary strain on your HVAC unit that can lead to a replacement later on.

As your neighbors and fellow Floridians, the Ocean Air Conditioning team knows exactly what it feels like to deal with summer heat in the Tampa Bay area. Who better to get your HVAC system in peak condition than our incredible crew with over 25 years of experience in the industry? Contact us today to make sure your air conditioning is ready for the summer.