Florida weather is no joke, and that means you need to make sure your air conditioner is working correctly and efficiently to keep you cool and comfortable all year long. Today, we’re here to share our top tips for ensuring your AC is working properly in Florida. In addition, we’ll tell you how to determine if it’s working properly in the first place, how to increase its efficacy, and much more.
Ensuring Your AC is Working Properly: How to Check
Let’s start with five key components to look for to help you determine if your air conditioner is working correctly:
- Keep the filter clean
- Clean the coils
- Check the fins
- Keep the outdoor unit clear
- Annual check-up
Keep the filter clean
Your air conditioner’s filter is one of the most critical elements in keeping your air conditioner running properly. When it is clean, airflow runs more freely and efficiently through your system. We recommend changing or cleaning the filter at least every three months or so to ensure optimal performance.
To change the filter, simply open the return-air panel and pull out the old filter. Make sure you replace it with a filter of the same size, shape, and type so there is no obstruction to your AC’s airflow.
Clean the coils
To ensure your air conditioner is working optimally, you should also clean any coils or fins that are part of the system. Coils and fins can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, reducing the efficiency of your AC unit and costing you more energy bills. Remember to check them periodically to make sure they are clean and clear.
Check the fins
The fins on an AC unit help direct airflow through the system. This means a blockage in these areas can reduce efficiency significantly. To check if there’s an issue with your fins, use a vacuum hose attachment to remove any dust or dirt buildup from inside them. If you still have trouble cleaning them, contact an HVAC professional for help.
Keep the outdoor unit clear
Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit needs to be free from debris and obstructions like leaves, branches, or other objects. Look for any obstructions that may be interfering with the unit’s airflow and remove them if necessary.
Annual check-up
Lastly, it’s important to have your AC system checked by a professional at least once a year. A professional can spot any minor problems before they become expensive repairs. They will also change out refrigerant as needed and make sure all components are running efficiently.
At AC Care Heat and Air, we provide AC maintenance services in Stuart to help you prolong the life of your system and take away any of the hard work that can come with ensuring your AC is working properly!
How Can We Increase AC Effectiveness?
Speaking of your air conditioner working properly, let’s next go over seven ways to increase its efficacy:
- Make sure to have your AC maintained
- Clean your outdoor units
- Upgrade insulation in your room
- Insulate your ductwork
- Install ceiling fans
- Keep indoor vents clean
- Choose the right AC unit for your Florida home
Make sure to have your AC maintained
Again, regular AC maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your air conditioner is running at its best. In addition, having an HVAC professional come in at least once a year can save you money on costly repairs and energy bills down the line.
Clean your outdoor units
Just like with any other part of your AC system, it’s important to make sure that your outdoor unit is free from dirt, debris, and obstructions. Cleaning the unit will help keep airflow through the system clear and efficient.
Upgrade insulation in your room
Proper insulation helps keep cool air in and warm air out by giving an extra layer of protection against temperature extremes outside. This can play a major role in keeping your home comfortable all year long.
Insulate your ductwork
In addition to insulating your room, you should also consider insulating your ductwork. This can help reduce energy loss and keep the air in your home from getting too hot or too cold.
Install ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to move cool air around a room, making it easier for your AC system to keep the temperature comfortable. However, make sure to install them correctly, as an improperly installed fan can actually end up making things worse.
Keep indoor vents clean
Just like with the outdoor unit, it’s important to keep any indoor vents free from blockages or dirt buildup. Vacuuming out any vents periodically is one of the easiest ways to keep them clean and running efficiently.
Choose the right AC unit for your Florida home
Finally, picking the suitable AC unit from the get-go is key for ensuring your air conditioner is working properly and efficiently. To do so, you’ll need to consider numerous factors, including the size of your home, the climate in your area, and other important details.
We have an entire post on the best AC units for South Florida. Don’t miss it!
Signs Your AC Unit Isn’t Working Properly
It’s also helpful to be on the lookout for any signs that your AC unit may not be working as it should.
Three common red flags include:
- Water leaks around the unit: These can indicate a range of issues, from clogged drains to refrigerant leaks.
- High energy bills: If your AC unit is struggling to cool down your home, it could be using more energy than normal to do so. This can cause costs to skyrocket over time.
- Strange noises or odors: These can point to several problems with the internal components of your air conditioner.
If you notice any of these AC symptoms, contact a professional for help. They’ll be able to diagnose and repair whatever issue is causing the problem before it becomes an expensive headache.
Bonus Tip: You Can Upgrade your AC!
Did you know that you can upgrade your air conditioner with a new, more efficient unit? While upgrading may seem like an expensive investment, it could save you money in the long run. An energy-efficient AC can help reduce your monthly utility bills and make sure your home is always comfortable.
Before you take this step, here are a few things to consider for your new AC unit based on the existing one:
The size of the new unit
It’s vital to ensure the size of the new unit is adequate to provide cooling for your home. Getting a unit that’s too small won’t cool your house effectively and could cost you more energy bills. Take the size of the existing unit into account to get the best idea of what size you should go with.
The efficiency rating
The more efficient the unit, the better off you’ll be in terms of energy bills and comfort. Look for an Energy Star-certified model, rated as the most efficient unit on the market.
Your budget
Understand how much you can spend on a new AC unit to make sure your upgrade will fall within your price range. Plenty of options available can fit any budget and still offer great energy savings.
The type of unit
Air conditioners come in several types: central AC, ductless mini split systems, window units, and portable units. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you’ll want to know you’re picking the right one for your needs.
The climate in your area
Remember to factor in the unique climate of your area. Depending on where you live, you may find certain types of AC units are better suited for the conditions in which you live.
For example, in hot and muggy Florida, a central AC unit with high-efficiency ratings may be the best option for keeping your home comfortable. However, in places where the demand for your AC unit will be lower, you may be able to get away with a more energy-efficient window unit.
Any additional installation costs
When installing a new AC unit, there may be additional installation costs. These include the cost of necessary parts or materials and labor fees for the job. Factor this into your budget before committing to any upgrades.
With these tips, you can ensure that your air conditioner is working properly so you can stay cool and comfortable all season long! In addition, ensuring regular maintenance and having an experienced technician inspect your system at least once a year will help keep it in great shape so it’s ready when you need it most.
Ensuring Your AC is Working Properly with the Help of AC Care Heat & Air
We hope this post has helped you learn more about ensuring your AC is working properly in Florida. Try out these tips and tricks to help your system stay in top shape for years to come! And don’t forget, if you ever need professional AC repairs or maintenance services, contact us at AC Care Heat & Air! Our team is here to help ensure your air conditioning system is working efficiently all year long.