Of all the states in the country, it could be argued that Florida needs its air conditioning the most. With high heat and oppressive humidity, home cooling is essential yet expensive. Since 2020, the cost of fuel has tripled, meaning more and more of us are looking to find efficiencies wherever possible.
With another long, hot summer on its way in Orange Park, FL, now is the time to prepare your AC system and look to make it as efficient as possible. But how can you achieve efficiencies? And how can you choose the right firm from the scores of AC companies out there?
Let’s answer those two questions together.
How AC Companies Help You Save Money
There are three main ways AC companies can make your system run more efficiently:
- Regular maintenance of your current system
- Installing an energy-efficient AC system
- Installing new AC technology
You can perform some of this maintenance yourself, but other tasks are best left to the professionals. HVAC services are also well-placed to advise you on the latest technological developments that could help you cut your bills without compromising home cooling.
Energy-Efficient AC Installation
If your AC system is older than you are, you are likely paying a huge premium each month to keep it running. The US Department of Energy states that a modern, energy-efficient AC uses 30% to 50% less electricity than one from the 1970s to produce the same cooling effect.
Even relatively modern systems may be far less energy-efficient than the latest models. Replacing an AC that is around 10 years old could save you up to 20% to 40% on your cooling costs.
We understand that a new home cooling system is a major investment. But if it significantly lowers your energy bills, it could pay for itself in a relatively short amount of time. Plus, it will be less likely to fail and require expensive repairs for a long time.
AC Tune-Ups
Regularly maintaining and cleaning your AC system is a great way to keep it running as efficiently as possible. If dirt, leaves, and other debris collect around the condenser unit, it will not be able to “breathe” as efficiently as it needs to. If air filters get clogged, your AC has to work much harder to maintain the airflow it needs.
You can carry out a few simple jobs at home, such as:
- Replacing air filters regularly
- Clearing drain lines
- Cleaning condenser coils (if you know what you are doing)
However, it’s best to call in HVAC services if you are not confident. For example, if you clean the condenser unit too aggressively, you could damage the fins, compromising its function. Additionally, you should always let professionals handle electricals, refrigerant, or duct cleaning.
During a tune-up, AC companies can also boost the efficiency of your system by:
- Calibrating the thermostat
- Balancing the airflow
- Checking coolant levels and topping up as needed
AC tune-ups don’t just help you control your energy bills. They reduce the pressure on your AC system, helping it to last longer and avoid costly repairs along the way.
New Technologies That Boost Efficiency
Smart technologies now allow homeowners to have greater control over their home cooling and heating systems. For example, smart thermostats can adjust your AC automatically to save energy and reduce your bills. They do this in a few ways:
- Learning your schedule and temperature preferences
- Use geofencing to detect you’re on your way home and start your AC running
- Control your AC from your smartphone, putting you in full control at all times
Smart thermostats can also provide data about when you are using the most energy. This can help you make adjustments to temperature settings that could translate into big energy savings. Some advanced models even track the weather, automatically adjusting your home cooling settings to keep things comfortable and reduce energy use where possible.
Some smart products for ACs can also help with maintenance. They can send alerts when they sense an issue with a component, helping you fix problems before they become serious. Other tech can sync with other compatible devices, such as dehumidifiers, to make the best use of energy and keep your home comfortable.
Finding the Right Florida AC Company
Given how hot the Florida climate is, it’s not surprising that there are lots of air conditioning companies vying for your business. But don’t trust just anyone with your home cooling maintenance. Here are some helpful tips that will guide you to the right company.
Experience Counts
If an HVAC services company has been going for years, that tells you something. They not only have the expertise to do a great job of servicing your HVAC system. They also build customer loyalty through treating their clients the right way.
Some companies have decades of experience, and they are more likely to provide a service you can rely on.
Full-Service Company
Whatever type of AC and heating system you have in your home, look for a company that can take care of all your needs. The best companies provide:
- AC services, including installation of central, ductless mini-split, and ductless HVAC systems
- Heating services
- Indoor air quality services
- Duct cleaning
AC Tune-Up Services
If you’re specifically looking to make savings on your energy bills, look for a company that provides AC tune-up services. As discussed, they can make your home more comfortable while helping you keep control of your bills as prices rise.
Weather Engineers Inc. – The Obvious Choice in Orange Park, FL
Increasingly, AC companies are helping customers make savings on their AC bills by investing in new technologies. Also, small tweaks and cleaning services can help reduce the strain on your system and keep it running happily for years to come.
At Weather Engineers Inc., we have over 60 years of experience helping Orange Park, FL, families keep their homes comfortable year-round. Our AC tune-up services are the perfect choice for homeowners who want to reduce their bills and help the environment at the same time.
Choose experience, quality, and expertise. Call us at 904-593-3721 or request an estimate online today!