Florida is a beautiful place to live. Beaches. Palm trees. Warm weather year-round. But, as all Florida residents know, that warm weather can quickly become uncomfortably hot once summer arrives. While dips in the pool and trips to the beach offer quick relief, you’re still outdoors trying to find shade when you’re not cooling off in the water. In fact, our only real escape from the sweltering temps is going indoors and cranking up our AC.

If you want to survive the hot summer months in Florida, here are four steps you can take to ensure you stay comfortable for years to come.

4 Summer Air Conditioning Tips to Help You Survive the Heat

Summer Air Conditioning Tip #1: Install a Programmable Thermostat

When it comes to staying cool indoors, many Florida homeowners struggle to keep their interior temperatures at a specific range on a consistent basis. They’re continually adjusting the thermostat settings, which not only drives up energy bills each month but causes their AC systems to take longer to cool off their homes. All of this can be avoided if you invest in a programmable thermostat.

It’s uniquely designed to let you set cooling cycles for every day of the week. This way, your interior temperatures will always be exactly where you want them. These thermostats also ensure your AC unit doesn’t stay running throughout the entire day. Instead, it will shut off periodically to save you money. Such an innovative design is paramount if you work during the day, and therefore don’t need your AC system running when you’re not there.

Just be cautious when setting up this new thermostat, though. It can be a rather extensive job, often requiring knowledge of electrical work. To ensure you don’t get injured or set up the thermostat incorrectly, it’s always best to hire an HVAC technician. They’ll wire your thermostat correctly and provide tips on how to use it.

Summer Air Conditioning Tip #2: Seal Up Potential Leaks

There will be times when your AC system runs perfectly, yet you’re still having trouble staying comfortable. When this happens, there may be hidden leaks in your home where cold air is escaping. You need to address these leaks promptly, not only to keep the interior cool but to prevent your energy bills from sky-rocketing.

Some common areas where leaks could be present are underneath your windows and below your doors. If you suspect an air leak, walk through the interior of your property and visually inspect the weatherstripping. If it’s coming up or there are visible signs of cracks, the weatherstripping needs to be replaced right away.

You don’t just want to install any weatherstripping, though. It’s critical to ensure it has a self-adhesive design so you won’t need any special skills or tools to complete this installation. As long as the weatherstripping is lined up in the right areas below your windows and doors, you can press down on it firmly. It will then remain in place, no matter how many times you walk over it throughout the day.

If you’re looking to save on costs, you should opt to install foam weatherstripping. It’s incredibly affordable and does create a pretty tight seal underneath structures. Just make sure you select the right size to ensure a proper fit.

Summer Air Conditioning Tip #3: Maintain Your AC Unit

Since it can get so hot in Florida during the summer, the last thing you need is for your AC unit to break down. You can prevent this with some simple maintenance tips.

For example, you always need to make sure your AC unit’s parts are in excellent condition, which will require a visual inspection of both the interior and exterior of your property. Check major HVAC components for visible signs of wear and tear. If they are present, you need to contact an AC repair company. They’ll find a suitable replacement to keep your AC unit working correctly.

It’s also a good idea to schedule routine maintenance with a professional AC company at least once a year. Important components will be cleaned and repaired in a safe, efficient manner. If any significant damage is present, the technician will provide a full report so that you can take the appropriate corrective actions before it’s too late.

Summer Air Conditioning Tip #4: Consider a New HVAC System

Let’s face it. Like everything else, AC units have an expiration date. If you’re lucky, yours will last longer with regular maintenance and services, but the end is inevitable. It’s important to keep this in mind as the years go by. If you’re noticing your house isn’t cooling as it once did and you’ve had your AC unit for many years, you’ll want to remedy the situation quickly. Running an old AC unit isn’t only ineffective, but it can significantly increase the cost of your energy bill.

There are some common signs which indicate you need a new ac unit. These include poor air flow, warm air coming from the vents, chronic thermostat problems, strange odors, loud sounds, and moisture in the wrong areas. If any of these warning signs are present, you’ll need to begin planning for a replacement AC unit.

When selecting the best home air conditioner, there are some things to consider. For example, you need to think about what unit size would work best, which can vary from house to house, given that many properties feature different square footage totals. As a result, you need to consult with an AC company when trying to pinpoint the right size. They’ll recommend an optimal size that prevents you from wasting money on energy each month.

You’ll also want to select a reputable brand, so you can rest assured your new AC unit is primed to work great for a long time. You can find out which brands are good and which ones should be avoided by going online and checking out customer reviews. Only when you’ve found a brand that’s backed by a lot of positive feedback should you consider investing in a new unit.

Stay Comfortable

Many people consider Florida to be paradise. And there’s no reason that should change just because summer is upon us. To ensure your comfort, follow these summer air conditioning tips – and maybe develop a few of your own.

Have any tips for staying cool in the summer? We’d love to hear from you.