How To Transition Your AC Use For Cooler Weather

We may not get prime sweater weather here in Florida, but despite our beautiful tropical climate, we know that temperatures can still dip. The warm days are great, and the evenings offer a refreshing cool-down. But that’s the tricky part…how do you adjust the temperature in your home or business for all the variations?

After a summer of blasting your AC, fall is the time to consider giving it a break and taking a step back. This doesn’t just help its longevity but also saves energy and money on bills! If you’re unsure of the best practices to maintain indoor air comfort and AC use, we’ve laid out a guide to help:

Why Transition Your AC in the Fall

Once you’ve reached a point where you feel confident that the 90-degree weather is at least temporarily on pause, it's important to transition your heating and cooling systems. Even if it's not quite time to turn the air off altogether, reducing excess use can be valuable for a few reasons. Doing so can:

• Prevent unnecessary wear on your system
• Save on energy bills by reducing the runtime
• Improve indoor comfort by adjusting for the outside temperature

Our Step-By-Step Guide For Adjusting Your AC

So, are you wondering where to start to tackle this fall weather? Here are a few things you can do:

1. Adjust Your Thermostat

On mild days, try raising your thermostat by 2-3 degrees to avoid wasting energy. As for the days when you are away, there are a few thermostat investments that help support your busy lifestyle:

• Programmable thermostats help automatically adjust temperatures when you’re not there
• Smart thermostats recognize your schedule and living habits to adjust for you. You can change the temperature in your space from your phone, no matter where you are. 

Paying attention to your thermostat habits can save energy, money, and stress in Florida’s ever-changing weather. Raising indoor temperatures is generally recommended at this time of year.  

2. Improve Ventilation by Using Fans and Opening Windows

So, you’ve set your AC higher, but by midday, you’re suddenly sweating. Instead of constantly adjusting the temperature, try natural air circulation to help cool the room if you’re able. Ceiling, portable, and whole-house fans can help create a breeze for the warmer parts of the day. Additionally, cracking your windows or doors lets in fresh air. This helps enhance the comfort of your space and can improve its overall environment. These are great natural ways to address your temperatures without increasing AC demand.

3. Check AC Maintenance & Schedule a Tune Up with Parker Services

Properly maintained systems operate more efficiently and last longer. When it's the time of year when you don’t have to rely on your AC as much, be proactive and get it checked before spring. This routine maintenance includes replacing or cleaning air filters, inspecting vents for blockages, and checking the outdoor unit for any debris that may have gotten in the way. If it’s been more than a year since your last service or you’d just like an expert opinion, schedule a professional HVAC tune-up with Parker Services!

Seasonal Energy Tips

Small day-to-day habits can make all the difference in energy-saving efforts. As always, make sure you’re:

• Turning off or reducing AC in areas that don’t need it
• Using fans, windows, and doors to allow for higher thermostat settings
• Avoiding heat-generating appliances like the oven or dryer during the hottest parts of the day

Each of these little actions will give your AC the break it deserves!

Ensure Your Heating and Cooling Is Ready For Fall With Parker Services

Need an inspection or help with maintenance as fall weather sets in? Now is the perfect time to call Parker Services for professional service. Our team is committed to ensuring you have a comfortable, energy-efficient home or commercial space. Visit our website today to learn more about our services.