Maximize Your Air Conditioning Effectiveness This Summer

Originally published May 2017, updated May 2020.

Miramar FL is a fabulous places to live — unless cooling costs become astronomical or you need emergency AC repair in the high heat of summer. Here’s how to avoid breakdowns that leave you hot under the collar and maximize air conditioning performance at the same time:

Replace Sooner Instead of Later

When your cooling system is teetering on the brink of collapse, you are tempting fate by not replacing it. Air conditioners will warn you that the end is near with frequent breakdowns, expensive repair costs, poor performance and high utility bills. Between 10 and 15 years is old age for an AC, and if the unit has been poorly maintained, it would be unusual for it to last past 10 or 12 years. Spare yourself the grief of undergoing a frantic AC replacement on a hot summer day. Schedule a free home cooling assessment with a reputable contractor. Even if your old system seems to have enough oomph to push through another hot summer, poor performance and high utility bills will make you wish you had replaced it.

Don’t Skip Maintenance

If your air conditioner is less than 10 years old and in good condition, tune-ups will keep it that way. Did you know that with annual maintenance, you can avoid up to 95 percent of unanticipated AC repairs and save up to 40 percent on utility bills? Remember to keep the air filters clean; dirty filters can cause problems and repairs. Also, give the outdoor unit plenty of elbow room. Clear away debris, shrubs, foliage, leaves and anything else that could obstruct airflow and impair performance.

Clean and Seal Ductwork

Ductwork gets dirty and dusty over time. All that grit hampers the flow of cool air. When ductwork is clean, and leaks are sealed, performance, efficiency, and indoor air quality will all benefit. Leaking ductwork can be responsible for your losing up to 20% of your conditioned air.

Lend a Helping Hand

Here are some additional ways to improve air conditioner energy efficiency in South Florida:

• Tinted film on windows keeps your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Ceiling fans circulate cool air and generate a refreshing breeze.
• Weatherstripping keeps chilled air inside and hot air outside.

Call us to discuss various options on new air conditioning system installations. Visit HI-VAC Air Conditioning Service or give us a call to schedule a service appointment.