6 Tips to Beat the Jacksonville Heat

Springtime in Jacksonville is about as pleasant as it gets. But soon after, the temperatures begin to rise until it’s downright hot. The warmer weather may be a great companion for the beach, but it’s no friend to your AC and power bill.
To help you beat the heat, we’ve listed Optimal AC Settings for Summer to give your AC a little TLC and make it work smarter, not harder, during the warmer months.

SCHEDULE A TUNE-UP FOR YOUR AC

Just like a car engine, your AC runs more efficiently when all of its components are functioning properly, and if one thing isn’t working, it can affect the performance of everything else. Have an HVAC professional inspect your AC to make sure everything is running smoothly. They’ll be able to properly clean, tune and repair your AC if need be.

CLEAN FILTERS ARE AN AC’S BEST FRIEND

Nothing will make your AC work harder than a dirty filter. If the filter becomes clogged, your AC has to strain to keep your home cool, which means more discomfort and higher power bills. And during the warmer months, filters get dirtier quicker with all the dust and allergens floating around. So be sure to check your filters once a month and replace as needed to breathe cleaner air and help your AC run more efficiently.

KEEP YOUR INDOOR VENTS UNRESTRICTED

When dust builds up on indoor vents it restricts airflow, making it harder for the AC to keep your home cool. Remember to dust or vacuum your indoor vents, and make sure household items (curtains, blinds, furniture, etc.) are not blocking them. This will increase airflow and decrease energy consumption.

GIVE YOUR AC SOME SHADE

Your AC’s #1 job is to keep your home cool, but that’s harder to do if it’s hot itself. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, planting trees to shade your AC unit can increase the unit’s efficiency by 10%. Air in a shaded space is cooler, which means your AC will have an easier time cooling the outside air before it goes into your home. But be sure that any trees and shrubbery.

USE YOUR THERMOSTAT WISELY

Each degree you dial below 78 increases your energy consumption by about 8%. Cooling air when no one is home just wastes energy, so, when you leave the house, try turning your thermostat up a few degrees. This will put less strain on your AC and your wallet.

UPGRADE YOUR AC

AC not cooling, Jacksonville? It may be time for an AC replacement. Consider replacing your unit with an energy-efficient model. They’ll save you money in the long run, and thanks to federal tax credits, they’ll save you money in the short term, too. A modern unit will also run more efficiently, keeping you more comfortable during the warmer months.
Tired of losing the battle with heat? Call the experts at Elite AC today, and we’ll help you beat the heat and stay cool.