Summer in Milton, Florida, means average temperatures in the 90-degree range, so springtime is a great time to think about ways to keep your home cool and comfortable for your whole family, including pets. Your children, spouse, and pets will thank you. There are several chores that you can do to prepare for the summer heat. Here are six that we at Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating recommend.
Turn On Your Dehumidifier
Running a dehumidifier in the heat of summer helps reduce the humidity in the air to keep you and your family comfortable. When there is too much humidity in the air, sweat from your body doesn’t evaporate as quickly to cool you off. If you don’t have a whole-house dehumidifier, free-standing dehumidifiers are an inexpensive option; these portable alternatives can also be placed in rooms where humidity is highest. Dehumidifiers also prevent dust mites and biological growth, all of which can cause allergy symptoms.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
Changing your HVAC air filter on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining indoor air quality. Filters remove airborne contaminants, and without them, dust, dirt, and other toxins can be distributed into every room of the house through your HVAC system. To keep your indoor air contaminant-free and comfortable, we recommend replacing your HVAC air filter once a month. This will also help to ensure that your family’s allergies don’t act up.
Adjust Your Ceiling Fans’ Rotations
Because hot air rises, in the cool months, your ceiling fans should rotate clockwise to circulate warm air back down into rooms. Once the weather starts warming, you should switch your ceiling fans so that they rotate counter-clockwise. This pushes air downward, which creates a blowing effect and feels cooler. If you don’t know where the switches are on your ceiling fans, consult your owner’s manual. Be sure to turn off the fan before flipping the switch.
Hang Blinds or Drapes
If you don’t already have some form of window covers, you should purchase and hang them before the weather gets too hot. Keeping blinds drawn or drapes closed during the prime daylight hours keeps the beating sun from heating up your home in the hot weather. Blinds and drapes are also beneficial during cold weather because they keep warm air from escaping through your windows. If you do already have blinds or drapes, springtime is the perfect time to clean them to remove dust.
Check Batteries in Home Safety Detectors
A comfortable home for your family is about more than just keeping your bodies cool. Having peace of mind is also a key part of comfort. We recommend checking the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year — once in the spring and once in the fall. Changing the batteries on a regular schedule will give you peace of mind, knowing that your family will be alerted to potential fires or carbon monoxide leaks. You can also use a battery tester occasionally to see how much life is left in the batteries so you can replace them if they are running low.
Schedule an AC Tuneup
A yearly tuneup is essential to maintain the proper function of your air conditioner, and spring is the ideal time to do so. When not properly maintained, air conditioners have weak airflow, which means your family won’t stay as cool. Your air conditioner will have to work harder and use more energy to keep your house cool. An air conditioner tuneup includes critical function and safety tests, cleaning, and efficiency adjustments. You can lower your energy bills and keep your family and your pets cool, comfortable, and safe by having a yearly tuneup.
We want to help keep your family happy through the hot months of spring and summer. If you would like to schedule an air conditioner tuneup or if you have questions about dehumidifiers, indoor air quality, or any other HVAC concerns, we are here for you. Call Lunsford Air Conditioning & Heating today at 850-203-3200. We offer economical HVAC maintenance plans, too.
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