As the seasons change, so do the demands on your air conditioning system. You first need to understand how seasonal changes affect the system if you want your AC to provide a comfortable temperature year-round.
As humans, different seasons have varied effects on our lives, including our comfort levels, especially in areas with hot summers and cold winters.
To get the most comfortable atmosphere in your home or office, you need to understand how it affects you and which air conditioner can best serve you throughout the seasons.
How Different Seasons Affect Your AC System
Florida is known for its warm and humid climate. Temperatures soar to the 90s (°F) during summer. Winters are typically warmer compared to the rest of the country, with the mercury rarely dropping below the 60s (°F).
Of course, this translates to a nearly year-round AC consumption. Needless to say, air conditioning units work overtime in Florida to keep residents comfortable.
Reports say that buildup in the HVAC system can lead to efficiency losses of up to 10% annually which you will see on your energy bills.
So, you need to ensure that you and your air conditioner are prepared to deal with all the extremes.
Spring: Preparing For The Heat
It is a transitional season that can bring fluctuating temperatures and increased humidity. When humidity levels spike, most systems cannot cope. High humidity cancels out the AC’s cooling effect.
And not just that; spring brings with it a host of allergies, a lot of which are airborne. The air is thick with pollen and dust mites during this season.
And this is a serious issue. Dust mites don’t just make you sneeze; they worsen asthma symptoms significantly. Similarly, pollen, which causes hay fever, one of the leading causes of seasonal allergies in the United States (annually 7.8% of adults are diagnosed), cannot be filtered out by a blocked AC filter.
Summer: The Season of High Demand
Your AC unit works overtime to keep your home cool during summer. High temperatures and constant use puts extra strain on the system and increases the risk of breakdowns.
Regular AC system maintenance before peak summer can help reduce possible issues.
Fall: Post-Summer Maintenance
As the temperature starts to drop in the fall, your AC might not run as often. This can lead to issues like dust buildup and reduced lubrication in components.
It is crucial to prepare your system for less frequent use and avoid unexpected problems when it is needed again. Scheduled AC maintenance will equip you to face summer with full prep.
Winter: Off-Season Maintenance
Many people turn off their AC systems during winter, which leads to possible issues like freezing or mechanical problems when the system is turned on first.
Schedule a pre-seasoned checkup for your AC repair and address any problem that may develop during dormancy.
Common AC Issues Caused by Seasonal Changes
To keep your AC working properly, here are some common issues you must address:
Clogged Filters
The more the air conditioner works, the dirtier its air filter gets. The issue can become the cause of system failures if not cleaned on a regular basis. It will also cause serious airflow problems and a lack of cooling.
The AC will not be able to trap all the air pollutants and particles like pollen or dust with a blocked filter. As the filters cannot catch the particles, they end up circulating through your home, leading to poor air quality, especially in spring.
You should change your air filters on a regular basis, making air healthier in your home and preventing dust-borne illnesses. Besides, you can also add a UV light or Air Scrubber to your system and prevent harmful bacteria from circulating in your home.
Plus, replacing a dirty clogged air filter with a clean one can lower the energy consumption of the AC by 5 to 15%.
This is not a DIY task. For best results, get in touch with a professional AC repair service.
Air leaks
This is due to the possible impact the previous winter could have had on your system. Harsh winter conditions damage the sealant around the windows or doors, causing air leaks within your home.
When a leak goes without a repair, the cool air your system provides will be wasted. This will result in the system working harder and increasing energy bills. It can be a sign of a slow HVAC system.
Proper HVAC maintenance can lead to significant savings in your electric bills.
Breaker issues
If the breaker falls, it means there is a serious problem. Sometimes it is an easy fix like resetting breakers, but other times it becomes a wiring issue that only a professional can fix.
Conduct a thorough research of inspection on AC repair and maintenance in spring and prepare your system for the upcoming summer.
Refrigerant Leaks
By absorbing heat and humidity, the refrigerant cools the house. An AC system cannot function properly if there is a leak. This issue increases your energy bills and the air in your home will not be at the desired coolness. Fixing this problem requires a professional approach and you should look for AC repair services in your area.
Frozen Coils
This thing can cause your cooling system to freeze up. The main symptom of a frozen AC system is warm air coming from your vents.
When it happens, heat from the air inside your home can not be absorbed and transported outdoors. The cooling system will not be able to cool your home until the evaporator coil is unfrozen.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
It is another frustrating issue you may experience. If the thermostat screen is black, you should try changing the batteries or resetting the circuit breaker.
Contact a professional for emergency AC repair and fix your thermostat or diagnose wiring issues.
The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance for Every Season
Regular maintenance of your AC system is crucial for many reasons including:
Benefits of Spring Tune-Ups
Keep your air conditioner in good working order and allow it to run efficiently saving you money. A tune-up is an easy way to start if you want to save energy bills.
The primary goal of AC system maintenance is to improve energy efficiency. It can mean rejecting your thermostat or replacing your air filter with a more efficient one.
Mid-Summer Maintenance Checks
To ensure that your HVAC system can keep up with the summer heat, a tune-up will help in increasing
- Its efficiency
- Lowering your utility bills
- Ensuring thermostat quality
- Better quality of indoor air
Post-Summer Maintenance
The benefits you get after doing post-summer maintenance checks are:
- Extended lifespan of your system
- Improved energy efficiency
- Maintenance warranty coverage.
Winter Shutdown and Preventive Measures
You can save money by performing AC system maintenance during winter. After winter, it normally costs more for HVAC maintenance, so it is better to repair your AC system in winter time and save money.
You can save money by performing AC system maintenance during winter. After winter, it normally costs more for HVAC maintenance, so it is better to repair your AC system in winter and save money.
How Seasonal Maintenance Affects HVAC Costs
Many factors account for the difference in AC repair and maintenance costs between seasons, such as:
Cost of Repairs vs. Replacement
Seasons have a great impact on AC repair costs. During summer, you will have to pay more than in winter.
The cost of repair and replacement depends on the nature of the problem. If you opt for minor AC repairs, you will pay less and get a good short-term solution.
Major repairs like replacing a compressor or fixing the coil can cost a lot in any season. But replacing the AC can be more economical in the long run.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
This can save you money in both summer and winter. You can set your AC to a temperature between 22 to 27 degrees during summer and balance comfort and energy efficiency.
Set your air conditioner to around 20 to 30 degrees in winter to reduce strain on your AC system and energy consumption.
When to Schedule AC Repairs and Maintenance
Each season brings different maintenance requirements. Let us see that in detail below.
Spring: Schedule Pre-Summer Maintenance
Prepare yourself ahead of the approaching season and spring will be a better ideal time.
- If the airflow is restricted, cooling gets compromised. The reason is your clogged air filters. Clean washable filters or replace them in case of disposal.
- Make sure the temperature and mode on your thermostat are set properly. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat to save energy and make your own cooling plans.
Summer: Monitor for Urgent Repairs
Miami recorded a scorching average temperature of 77.8°F between 2009 and 2023, and the numbers are expected to go up. Your air conditioner is going to run a lot throughout the summer. Consider the following steps to keep it operating:
- Low refrigerant levels might be a sign of a leak that can reduce the cooling ability of your AC. Seek professional help to check and refill refrigerants.
- Dust and other debris can build up on the condenser coil and reduce the effectiveness of the AC. Clean them on a regular basis to keep the coils working at their best.
Fall: End-of-Summer Tune-Up
As the temperature drops, it is crucial to maintain your air conditioning system and make it ready for the winter.
- Clean the outdoor unit before the arrival of winter and protect it from dirt. Cover it with a waterproof cover.
- Arrange a professional tune-up and inspection before turning it off for winter. This guarantees that any possible problems are fixed and your AC is prepared for the next season.
Winter: Winterizing the AC
In Florida, the AC generally runs year-round, although not as much in winter. Here are some things you can do to keep it functioning properly during the off times:
- Take the outdoor unit cover off before using the AC for the first time in spring. Running it with a cover on it can lead to partial damage.
- Check the ductwork for any evidence of deterioration or holes.
Choosing the Right HVAC Service Provider
Florida experiences uniform weather across the state. An AC repair company that services Miami, University Park, and others, for instance, will be perfectly capable of understanding the issues that you might be facing in your residential & commercial places.
The best move here, therefore, would be to conduct a local search. Look for companies that particularly offer AC repair and maintenance services in Davie, Lauderhill, Miami Gardens, and nearby areas in Florida. This ensures a fast turnaround time and an intimate understanding of the impact the local climate has on your HVAC unit.
Once this is done, consider things like:
Recommendations
Ask your family, co-workers, and friends to recommend a service for your AC repair in Florida. Know which services they came across and how their experience was.
Licensing and insurance
Make sure the air conditioning company is licensed and insured. Licensing shows that the company is trained and meets industry standards. This will protect you from liabilities if any accidents occur.
Evaluate experience
Choose an Air Duct Cleaning service in Florida with a proven track record of providing quality service and handling various types of HVAC models. An experienced company will have encountered and resolved various issues.
Ensure comfort year-round with quality AC repair in Florida
A well-maintained air conditioning unit is crucial not for just maintaining comfort in your home but is also kinder to the environment. Routine AC system maintenance is essential to keep the unit operating well and avoid unwanted breakdowns. Do not ignore your air conditioner, put in a little time and work on maintenance to reap the rewards of a well-performing cooling system.
