It’s August in Northeast Florida, which means the humidity and heat are off the charts! Give your HVAC system a break, by following these six simple maintenance tips:

  1. Remember your air system is designed to be set at 75 degrees, setting it lower will only cause it to work harder.
  2. Make sure your air conditioner filters and condensate lines are clean. You should be checking your air conditioner filters monthly and cleaning or replacing them as needed.
  3. Never change the thermostat setting more than a degree or two at a time and only change it after the system has reached the current temperature setting.
  4. It’s best to use the thermostat scheduler so the system can determine when it needs to start cooling to a lower temperature to reach the setting at the desired time.
  5. During these hot, humid times windows and doors should be kept closed to avoid letting in too much humidity. Make sure you are using your exhaust fans when showering and the hood vent when cooking.
  6. Check your thermostat and make sure the fan is set to AUTO and not ON – the system only pulls out humidity while cooling. Having the fan run in the ON position pulls in humid outdoor air that the system will have to work harder to pull out.

Ensuring use of the HVAC system as it was designed and maintaining the system properly will ensure the longevity of the life of the system. Failing to properly use and maintain the system can cause it to prematurely require repairs. Learn more about Energy Star Homes and how to maintain them here.