How to Save Money on Air Conditioning in Florida

Florida families are all too familiar with the feeling of dread after receiving their electricity bill during the cooling season (aka — the entire year). Finding ways to save on AC expenses as a Floridian doesn’t mean sacrificing your home comfort. There are plenty of easy steps that you can take to reduce the cost of cooling your home while keeping comfort a top priority for you and your family. Read on to learn how you can optimize your air conditioning to maximize savings on your cooling expenses!

7 Ways to Save Big on AC Expenses in Florida

Cooling down your home doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. The following are just seven simple strategies you can use to reduce the cost of air conditioning in your Florida residence:

Optimize Air Conditioning Efficiency

HVAC experts recommend having your air conditioning system serviced at least once annually to ensure peak efficiency. However, AC maintenance alone won’t do the trick if your unit is too outdated or is not the right size for your home. Ensure your system is optimized for maximum efficiency by having a cooling specialist evaluate your current setup and perform routine maintenance.

Change Your Air Filters

Clogged air filters are often the culprits for overworking your air conditioner and causing your energy expenses to spike. While most AC technicians recommend changing your air filters once every three months, you may need to increase this frequency if:

• You suffer from allergies
• You have pets
• You use your AC frequently

Install a Smart Thermostat

Many homeowners make the mistake of “setting and forgetting” their thermostats to keep their homes at one temperature. This can end up costing you a lot in the long run: Instead, consider installing a smart, programmable thermostat to help you optimize comfort while maximizing savings in your home. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to keep cool during your most active hours at home. When you’re asleep or away for more than three hours, you can program the system to shut off or raise the temperature so you can save money on your AC expenses.

Turn Up the Temperature

Even a small increase in indoor temperature can make a significant difference in your bottom line. Try turning up the temperature in your home by a single degree each day until you’ve met your comfort threshold. See how you can comfortably raise your temperature to get the most energy savings.

Dress Your Windows & Doors

Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! When your thermostat is exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight, it can cause a false reading, forcing your AC to operate despite having reached the desired indoor temperature. Closing your blinds or adding drapes to your windows can help keep your thermostat from overworking your system. Additionally, insulating the gaps around the doors leading outside your home can help reduce thermal transfer so your home can stay cooler for longer.

Create Strategic Shady Areas

Planting trees strategically outside of any south- or west-facing windows can help keep your Florida home cooler. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that simply shading your air conditioner can save you up to 10% on your energy bills each month. Just be careful that you don’t place plants too close to your outdoor unit, as this can end up blocking critical airflow and decreasing system efficiency.

Use Fans to Circulate

Place fans strategically throughout your home to promote increased circulation. Creating more moving air in your home allows your body to evaporate sweat from your skin naturally, reducing your need for air conditioning as a result.

Schedule AC Maintenance with All American!

The best way to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency and offers the maximum amount of energy savings is by scheduling routine AC maintenance. All American’s team of HVAC technicians offers the comprehensive maintenance services you need to ensure your system always performs at its best. Contact us to schedule air conditioning maintenance in your Florida home today!