Florida summers are no joke in Venice and the surrounding Gulf Coast area — they’re hot, humid, and can feel like you’re walking around in nature’s very own sauna!
When your air conditioning breaks down during these scorching months, indoor temperatures can quickly climb above 90 degrees, potentially forcing you to evacuate your home (or at least making you wish you could move to Antarctica).
Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can ensure your AC system is ready to battle the Florida heat and keep your cool all summer long. Let’s dive into some simple yet effective steps to prepare your air conditioner for the upcoming hot season.
1. Replace Your Air Filter
Think of your air filter as your AC’s lungs. When they’re clogged, your system has to work harder to breathe — just like you would in our thick Florida humidity!
Routinely replacing your air filter reduces strain on your air conditioner and ensures clean air circulates throughout your home. We recommend installing a new filter before summer arrives so your air conditioner can operate at peak efficiency from day one.
You should change your air filter at least every three months as part of ongoing AC maintenance, but during heavy-use summer months, monthly changes might be necessary. A quick peek at your filter each month is all it takes — if it looks like it’s been used to strain beach sand, it’s definitely time for a change!
2. Clean Around the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor AC unit needs some breathing room too! In the Gulf Coast’s lush environment, vegetation can grow faster than you can say “humidity.”
Trim back landscaping at least 2 feet from your outdoor AC unit to prevent leaves and other debris from entering the unit. You can also spray the unit down with a garden hose to remove any existing dirt and debris (just be sure the power is off first — water and electricity aren’t exactly best friends).
Cleaning your outdoor unit allows your air conditioner to run efficiently and prevents extra wear and tear on components such as the evaporator and condenser coils. Think of it as giving your AC a nice spa day before its busy season!
3. Seal Air Leaks
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, we’re not just trying to keep the heat out — we’re also battling humidity that seems determined to make itself at home in your home.
Air leaks through outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings waste energy and increase utility costs. You’re essentially paying to cool down your yard — and trust us, the squirrels aren’t chipping in for the electric bill!
You can seal air leaks with a weatherproof caulk for gaps smaller than a quarter-inch. For larger gaps, use expandable foam spray. This task might sound intimidating, but it’s fairly easy and can significantly reduce your utility bills. Your wallet will thank you almost as much as your sweat glands!
4. Schedule Routine AC Maintenance
The best way to prepare your air conditioner for summer is to schedule routine AC maintenance with a trusted home services company like Brown Cooling and Plumbing.
Our technicians are trained to:
- Provide preventative service
- Clean debris that can inhibit cooling function
- Inspect for underlying problems
- Recommend any necessary air conditioning repairs
Professional maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also helps identify small issues before they become big, expensive problems. It’s like getting a health check-up, but for your AC — and in Florida’s climate, your AC’s health is directly connected to your sanity during summer months!
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Remember, waiting until your AC breaks down in the middle of summer is like waiting until you’re stranded in the Everglades to check if you have bug spray — uncomfortable, potentially dangerous, and entirely avoidable with a little preparation.
Don’t wait until your system fails completely! Schedule on our website or call Brown today at (941) 722-9276. Your future summer self will thank you when you’re comfortably chilling indoors while your neighbors are frantically calling for emergency repairs!
