Thank you Air Engineers Service Experts for sponsoring this post. All opinions, including those about how awful it is to be hot in the summer, are my own.
One thing you can say about summer in Florida… it’s hot! Between the baking sun and the high humidity, even temps in the 90s can feel like it’s well over 100 degrees outside. Add to that a house full of kids and pets and one worn out mom and you’d better believe our number one survival item for the summer is an air conditioning unit that not only works, but works well. The highest temperatures of the year are just around the corner. With summer officially arrived, it’s important to keep in mind that air conditioning isn’t only about keeping your home cool and comfortable; increasing temperatures affect us in many ways.
According to Jacksonville moms, a hot home can lead to whining, an inability for kids to nap comfortably, and overall moodiness and irritability among kids and parents. But more seriously, according to NASA, work productivity decreases by 45% when temperatures reach 95o F. In addition, high temperatures and humidity can be dangerous for people in poor health. For example, heat exacerbates the symptoms of MS, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society says sufferers may qualify for a tax deduction on air conditioning equipment with a physician’s prescription.
Not only does the heat lower work production and aggravate symptoms of neurological conditions, it could interfere with sleep habits and patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
A properly maintained air conditioning system will help keep homeowners and their families comfortable and healthy all summer long, and if the air conditioning system is running efficiently, can actually help to lower peak summer energy bills. Air Engineers Service Experts are AC repair Jacksonville experts – they’ve been serving area communities for 51 years. The Air Engineers team provides a few tips that will help keep air conditioners running properly and efficiently during the heat of the summer.
- Air conditioning equipment should be cleaned annually to maintain proper function. The manufacturer’s manual usually will explain how to flush the drain to help prevent mold and mildew from forming in the equipment. This cleaning service is included in every PrecisionÔ Tune-Up from Air Engineers, along with cleaning the outside system to remove grass, dirt, and other debris that could be affecting the air conditioner’s ability to function efficiently.
- In mild climates, it is okay to turn the air conditioning system off when no one will be home. It typically won’t take an excessive amount of energy to cool the house upon return, depending on the size of the home. A programmable thermostat allows for the temperature to be adjusted up or down from a phone or computer so homeowners can adjust the temperature before leaving the office to ensure the house is cool upon arrival.
- Humidity during the summer often makes it feel much, much warmer than the actual temperature. A properly designed and sized air conditioning and air ductwork system will remove humidity from the air as the cooling system operates. Leaving air supply registers (room air vents) closed, even in rooms that are not in use, could contribute to poor air flow and increased indoor humidity. Closing air vents may also cause the air conditioning system to run less efficiently and possibly increase energy costs, and create hot spots throughout the house due to the restriction of air flow.
- During an annual air conditioning tune-up, an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) technician will evaluate safety features, fluids, parts, ductwork and other aspects of the system. This helps ensure the entire comfort system is operating at peak efficiency. Also remember, in many cases the manufacturer’s warranty isn’t valid if the system doesn’t receive a yearly tune-up service, so it is important to make sure maintenance is up to date on an air conditioning system to keep the warranty and lower repair costs.
- Tired of air conditioner repair Jacksonville? Lennox is offering up to $1700 off certain equipment this summer. In Jacksonville, local utility companies are offering rebates up to $200, and the U.S. government is even offering $500 tax credits on new high-efficiency equipment purchased by the end of 2016. (Certain sustainable systems have even higher discounts over a longer timeframe.) These credits all can be combined with manufacturer’s rebates and Air Engineer’s monthly payment programs to maximize savings to consumers.
I think we can all agree that things get weird when it gets hot! Service experts think so too and that’s why they’ve put together this cute video! You can also submit your own photos of trying to stay cool. Check out Air Engineers Service Experts on Facebook!
