subject: How to Maintain Your A/C in Florida [print this page] How to Maintain Your A/C in Florida How to Maintain Your A/C in Florida
Preventative air conditioning maintenance ensures that your system operates optimally for years, keeping your family cool and comfortable while saving you money. Many people do not realize how small issues can keep their A/C from operating as efficiently as it should. Although Florida's summer months assure stunning beach weather, the sweltering summer heat and humidity can be harsh, and keeping them out of your home and remaining cool is something all Floridians go through. When your air conditioner component isn't functioning at its peak, it can result in a home that doesn't feel comfortable and cost you unnecessary expenses that could have been prevented.
Maintaining a central air conditioner can be an ongoing activity that needs only a few minutes of attention each month. A few preventative steps on your own part can go a long way in keeping your air conditioner in excellent condition. Be sure that your air conditioner has plenty of "breathing" space. Avoid enclosing or covering your air conditioning unit by keeping leaves, plants, and other vegetation at least 18'' away.
Twice per year, clean or replace your outdoor a/c unit filter and change the indoor filter every 1-3 months. Failing to change your filters can create more dust in the air, and diminish the efficiency of your a/c. Also inspect the insulated pipes that run from the condenser into the house from time to time and replace any insulation that is cracked or torn.
It is a good idea to have a professional test your system twice per year; a pre-season inspection can save you tons of money, since the services aren't as high in demand. A professional who's in the business of maintaining air conditioners knows much more about what keeps the equipment in top running condition than the typical home owner. In this type of preventative service, the professional will clean, check, monitor, and measure various components such as your thermostat, indoor and outdoor coils and electrical connections.
An improperly maintained air conditioning system may cause your utility bill to rise, and eventually cause permanent damage to the air conditioning unit. To prevent this from occurring, make sure to regularly service your ac unit. According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, heating and cooling the house uses greater energy and more energy dollars than any other system in the home. In most cases, 44 percent of the utility bill goes to heating and cooling.
