Too Hot To Handle

Florida, though affectionately called the Sunshine State, can be sometimes unbearable in the hot and humid summer months. Not everyone can afford to stay in the relative comfort of their air conditioned homes, running up astronomical energy bills. Most common folks are also battling with an old and cranky air conditioner that might just drop dead under the relentless Florida summer heat and the demands of cooling their home. The reason the heat and humidity get to you is because of the way the human body cools itself; it sweats to cool itself; in the already humid Florida summer, the sweat doesn’t evaporate, leaving you feeling clammy; this is commonly referred to as the heat index.
Here are some simple tricks that can help you stay cool, and also save on your energy bills.You have bought a decent air conditioner for your home; now comes the installation. You might try and do it yourself, with the help of a pal if you are confident that you can do a good job. On the other hand, if you end up with a shoddy job, you run the risk of undue pressure on your ac unit from leaks, not to mention the unnecessary extra amount on your utility bills. If you’re not absolutely confident about doing a good job, it might be better to hire a professional to install your ac unit for you.First and foremost is the routine HVAC maintenance; this is the be-all and end-all of good a/c life expectancy and efficiency. When your ac unit works efficiently, you automatically save on your energy bills. This is a no-brainer when it comes to saving on your utility bills.The next step for cool comfort is controlling the humidity in your home. Your HVAC system can do the job quite efficiently; in case you feel it’s not enough, you can install a de-humidifier. With the removal of the humidity, you will feel much cooler and comfortable. Your indoor air is stripped of its moisture and it is drained through a pipe or is collected under the de-humidifier in a pan, and has to be manually removed.The third step in getting the most out of your HVAC system to beat the Florida heat is to get it checked out thoroughly before the onset of summer; your HVAC technician will come to your doorstep armed with a 25 point checklist that guarantees you a thorough check up; this in turn will ensure that you have a worry-free summer and enjoy it in the comfort of your home.To try and save on your utility bills, set the thermostat at the recommended 78 degrees; according to the Florida Public Service Commission, every degree you set lower, after 78 degrees will reflect on your utility bills, by at least 12%, going up to an unbelievable 100% when your thermostat is set at 70 degrees. Learn to adjust to 78 degrees, and soon your energy bills will leave you smiling.

Try to supplement the air conditioner with a ceiling fan; though it might not help to bring down the temperature, it will help you to feel cooler, because of the circulating air. Avoid using the oven and the stove during the hottest times of the day, as the heat has no way of escaping and will negate the air conditioning. Keep your windows closed and blinds drawn, as this will help to keep the light and heat outside. There are plenty of such simple tricks to beat the heat of a Florida summer.

Snyder Air Conditioning and Heating is a family-owned and -operated company; we have been taking care of the HVAC systems of the Jacksonville, FL residents for the past 40 years. We are proud to be known as the “Top Ten in North Florida” and as “Trane Comfort Specialist” for our services to the Jacksonville community over the decades. Call us today for a free estimate!