JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Summer cooling costs can make up as much as 60 percent of energy bills, according to Florida Power & Light. And with temperatures pushing 100 degrees in Northeast Florida, air conditioning systems are likely working around the clock.
Austin Wright, owner of Wright Brothers Heating & Air, said the best way to keep an AC running efficiently is to stay proactive, especially when heat indexes are in the triple digits.
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“Our objective as a contractor is to save you money monthly on your utilities and to make sure that your unit’s squared away,” Wright said. “During hot days like this, it doesn’t fail out of nowhere and leave you with no AC.”
Wright has three money-saving tips for homeowners to keep in mind this summer.
1. Hose down your outdoor unit
Wright recommends gently rinsing your outdoor unit from top to bottom with low water pressure after mowing or when you notice dirt or debris collecting on it.
“The fins on the condenser coil are very thin, and they can be damaged by high-pressure water,” Wright said. “So if you’re going to do a rinse, a shower is probably the best option.”
2. Pour vinegar down your condensate drain
Condensate drains — typically white pipes leading from your indoor unit — can easily become clogged, which may shut down your entire system. Wright suggests using a capful of vinegar every time you change your air filter.
“It’s very important that the condensation your unit makes makes it outside where it belongs,” he said. “One of the best things to do is give your condensate drain a cap full of vinegar to help with any dirt or debris.”
3. Set your thermostat and forget it
Changing your thermostat throughout the day may seem efficient, but Wright said it’s better to find a temperature you’re comfortable with and leave it alone.
“The higher the temperature, the less it’s going to run,” Wright said. “So finding that temperature you can tolerate but still be comfortable is key.”
Wright also recommends that homeowners schedule AC maintenance twice a year with a certified technician they trust, ideally once before summer and once before winter.