The weather might be nice and cool now, but another hot, muggy Florida summer is only a few months away. Before the mercury starts climbing, taking some time for AC maintenance will prevent unexpected breakdowns, lower your power bills, and ensure your cooling system can handle the heat. Below are a few essential tips for keeping your air conditioner running at peak efficiency.

A Guide to Preventative AC Maintenance

1. Schedule a Cleaning

Clean equipment transfers heat more efficiently, which results in lower energy usage and helps keep your home more comfortable. An AC maintenance technician will go through every inch of your system, cleaning the evaporator coils, blower wheel, condenser coils, drain pan, and drain lines. They’ll also look for and fix any minor issues before they become significant problems that leave you without air conditioning during a Florida summer.

2. Change the Air Filter

The air filter traps pollen, dust, and other debris, keeping it out of your air and off the equipment. When the filter gets dirty, your AC system has to work harder, which wastes energy, increases wear and tear, and eventually leads to premature breakdowns. Put in a new filter before turning your AC on for the year, and check it at least once a month throughout the summer. You should change it every two to three months, depending on your interior air quality.

3. Consider Upgrades

A few simple upgrades and add-ons can enhance the comfort of your home, improve air quality, and shave a few dollars off your electricity bills. Smart thermostats give you the power to monitor the temperature in your home from anywhere so that you don’t have to cool the house when no one is there. It can also allow you to control the temperatures of individual rooms, focusing the most energy on the places that are most often used. You could also install a UV light filtration system that kills bacteria, mold spores, and even viruses before anyone gets sick and creates a healthier indoor air quality.

As Gulf County’s premier AC maintenance specialists, Miller Heating & Air Conditioning has been keeping homes and businesses throughout the area comfortable for over 15 years. Whether your system needs an inspection or an emergency repair, their technicians will provide the results you need, backed by a one-year warranty on every job. To schedule an AC maintenance visit, see their website or call (850) 639-3319, and follow their Facebook for more tips and advice from the experts.