Lakeland, FL, known for its hot and humid climate, faces a unique challenge during hurricane season. From June to November, the combination of high temperatures and the threat of severe storms can put a significant strain on HVAC systems.
As a homeowner, ensuring your HVAC system is both energy-efficient and prepared for extreme weather conditions is crucial. Not only can this save you money on energy bills, but it can also ensure your home remains comfortable and safe during power outages and storm impacts.
Let’s go through our top Lakeland energy-efficient HVAC system tips you need for hurricane season.
Pre-Season Maintenance
Pre-season maintenance is a crucial step in ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently and reliably throughout the hurricane season in Lakeland, FL.
Dirty filters can obstruct airflow, forcing your HVAC system to have to eat up more energy to maintain the desired temperature. Regularly cleaning or replacing filters ensures optimal airflow, lowers your overall energy consumption, and extends the lifespan of your home’s HVAC system.
It’s advisable to check filters monthly and replace them at least every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing your HVAC system should be high on your list of energy-saving HVAC tips.
One of the first steps in weatherproofing is sealing ducts and vents to prevent air leaks. Leaky ducts can cause a ton of energy loss as conditioned air escapes, causing your system to work harder to maintain the home temperature you want.
By using mastic sealant or metal tape to seal any gaps, you ensure that air flows efficiently through the ducts. That reduces energy waste and improves overall system performance.
Installing weather stripping around your Lakeland home’s doors and windows is another effective weatherproofing measure. Drafts from badly sealed entrances and exits can cause the newly cool and conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to enter.
That makes your HVAC system work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Weather stripping helps prevent these drafts, keeping conditioned air inside and improving energy efficiency.
Weather stripping can protect your home from rain and wind-driven moisture, lowering the possibility of water damage during a hurricane.
Use Energy-Efficient Settings
Adjusting your thermostat settings can significantly impact energy usage. For instance, setting your home’s thermostat to a higher temperature when you are not at home reduces the workload on your HVAC system. This simple adjustment can lead to a ton of energy savings without compromising comfort.
Consider investing in a good smart thermostat that allows you to automate these adjustments based on your schedule, ensuring optimal efficiency without constant manual intervention.
Ceiling fans are another effective tool for enhancing energy efficiency. When used in conjunction with your HVAC system, ceiling fans help circulate air, making rooms feel cooler and allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
Ensure that your ceiling fans are set to spin counterclockwise during the summer months, as this creates a cooling breeze by pushing air downwards. By reducing the reliance on your HVAC system to cool your home, you can lower energy consumption and extend the life of your equipment.
Take Post-Storm Action
Taking swift and thorough post-storm action is crucial to ensure the continued effectiveness and function of your HVAC system after a hurricane in Lakeland. The first step is to inspect your HVAC system for any visible damage or debris accumulation.
Hurricanes can leave behind a significant amount of debris, such as branches, leaves, and other materials, which can obstruct your outdoor unit. Clearing away this debris promptly helps maintain proper airflow and prevents potential damage to the system’s components.
You need to check for any signs of physical damage to the HVAC system. Look for dents, cracks, or other visible issues that may have been caused by flying debris or strong winds. Pay particular attention to the outdoor unit’s condenser coils and fins, as these are susceptible to damage.
If you notice any damage, it’s important to contact a professional HVAC technician. Attempting to operate a damaged system can lead to further complications and reduced efficiency.
Monitor your HVAC system’s performance closely in the days following a hurricane. Listen for unusual noises, such as rattling or hissing, which could indicate hidden damage or system malfunctions.
If your system is not cooling or heating as effectively as it did before the storm, this could also be a sign of underlying issues that need professional attention.
Get Professional Help With Hurricane Preparedness Plant City, FL
Don’t be afraid to bring in the experts. Professional HVAC technicians bring expertise and experience that can be invaluable.
Scheduling regular Florida inspections and maintenance with a trusted professional before the hurricane season begins can help identify and address potential issues early. That prevents costly repairs and breakdowns during extreme weather conditions.
Lakeland maintenance technicians can perform a comprehensive assessment of your HVAC system. That includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting and cleaning coils, and ensuring all the different parts are in good working condition. They can also catch any signs of damage that may not be visible to the untrained eye.
By addressing these problems, you can enhance your system’s efficiency and reliability. That ensures it operates optimally when you need it most.
During the hurricane season, the risk of power surges and outages is high, and these can have a major impact on your Lakeland HVAC system’s performance. Professionals can install surge protectors to safeguard your system’s sensitive electronics, minimizing the risk of damage from sudden power fluctuations.
They can also recommend and install backup power solutions, such as generators, to keep your HVAC system running during extended power outages. That helps you maintain indoor comfort and prevent potential damage from extreme temperatures.
Use These Plant City Energy Efficient HVAC System Tips ASAP
With these energy-efficient HVAC system tips, you won’t have to worry about your environmental impact this hurricane season.
Are you looking for Plant City, FL HVAC services? Mission Air Services believes that comfort is a necessity, no matter the season. We’re dedicated to ensuring our customers have the temperature of their dreams.
Contact us today to get started.