Fall is officially here and while it is still very (very) warm, there have been wonderful moments of cooler temperatures in the morning and at night. A new season is a great reminder to tackle some of the D.I.Y. tasks on the honey-do list, one of which is paying mind to your air conditioner. Want your HVAC system to run more efficiently this season? Fall-O these tips…
- Do a Landscaping Clean-Up. Debris such as leaves and grass can easily get caught in your outdoor AC unit, especially when leaves start falling. Make sure to clear any landscape debris surrounding your AC unit and trim shrubs located around the unit’s coil.
- Adjust Your Ceiling Fan. When it starts to really cool off (patience…we’re not there yet), reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to circulate warm air. This will keep your HVAC system from having to work so hard and will run much more efficiently.
- Perform a Visual Inspection. Take a good look at your AC unit and address any potential issues. This includes checking for leaks in the duct work, making sure your outdoor AC unit is fully insulated and checking to make sure the service valve caps and refrigerant lines are in good working order.
- Adjust Your Thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, reprogram it to account for cooler weather. If you don’t have one, consider making the investment. Programmable thermostats can save you money on your energy bills.
- Change Your Indoor Air Filters. Changing your air filters on a regular basis is one of the easiest things you can do to improve indoor air quality and help your AC unit run more efficiently. Change out all air filters and while you are at it, go ahead and replace your humidity pad as well.
- Inspect Doors and Windows. Feel a draft inside your home? Inspect your doors and windows for any noticeable air loss gaps during cold weather. If you notice any, go to your local hardware store and invest in some caulk.
- Keep Vents and Registers Open and Clean. People often try to save money by closing off vents in rooms that are unused. While this seems logical, the U.S. Department of Energy shows that closing vents in your home can reduce the efficiency of both heating and cooling systems. It also shows that closing more than 60% of a system’s vents is unsafe and could potentially damage your system. It’s also a good idea to clean any floor or ceiling vents and make sure your vents are not blocked by rugs or furniture.
- Schedule a Professional AC Maintenance Tune-Up. An HVAC maintenance tune-up is one of the best investments you can make to optimize efficiency, improve comfort and enhance indoor air quality. Learn more about our professional maintenance checks at Northeast Florida Heating & Air.
If you are interested in scheduling a maintenance visit to thoroughly check your HVAC system, please call the highly trained technicians at Northeast Florida Heating & Air today. Our Jacksonville air conditioning company serves Orange Park, Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach and the surrounding areas. Contact us today at 904-783-7003.
