As temperatures rise along the Florida Gulf Coast, your A/C system becomes your best friend—but did you know a little basic maintenance can go a long way toward keeping it running smoothly?
We put together a short video to show you exactly what you can do as a tenant to help your air conditioner stay efficient and effective all summer long.
π₯ Watch it here:
Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you stay cool, avoid unnecessary maintenance requests, and even save a little on your energy bill!
Quick A/C Maintenance Tasks You Can Do
1. Change the Air Filter (Seriously!)
This is one of the easiest and most important things you can do. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, makes your system work harder, and can lead to breakdowns.
- How often? Every 30–60 days.
- Why it matters: A clean filter = better airflow, better cooling, and lower electric bills.
- Bonus: If you have allergies or pets, change it more often for cleaner air.
2. Clear the Vents and Return
Blocked vents mean uneven cooling and extra strain on your A/C.
- Do a quick sweep: Make sure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren't covering your vents or the a/c filter return.
- Look at return vents too: Those are just as important for circulation.
3. Check Your Thermostat Settings
It sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how often this is overlooked.
- Make sure it’s set to “Cool” and “Auto” (not “On”).
- A good summer temp is around 78°F—especially if you’re home during the day.
A/C Fun Fact: It’s Not a Freezer!
One of the most common questions we get is: “Why is my house only cooling to 80°F when it’s 100°F outside?”
Here’s the deal: Most residential A/C units are built to cool a home by about 15–20 degrees below the outside temperature. So, if it's 100°F outside, your A/C is doing its job if your home is at 80–85°F.
This isn’t a flaw—it’s actually how the system was designed. Trying to set your thermostat lower than that won’t speed things up—it just forces your system to work overtime, which could lead to wear and tear or a full breakdown.
Other Cool Tips to Help Beat the Heat:
- Close blinds/curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
- Avoid using the oven or stove during peak afternoon heat.
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air throughout the home.
- Never turn your A/C off on really hot days—it will have to work much harder to bring the temperature back down.
Before Submitting a Maintenance Request...
If your home feels warmer than usual, here’s a few troubleshooting tips to see if you can get the unit back up and running.
- Check the Air Filter: If your home feels warmer than usual, the first thing to check is your air filter. Make sure it’s clean and not clogged.
- Reset the Breakers: Locate and check both your inside and outside breakers. If any have tripped, reset them.
- Check the Thermostat: If there’s no improvement, check and replace the thermostat batteries as needed.
- Thaw a Frozen Unit: If your unit is frozen (often caused by low settings or dirty filters), turn it off and let it thaw completely before turning it back on.
- Check Beneath the Filter Grate: If you notice any leaks, turn the system off immediately and check the AC drain line for clogs.
- Optimize Cooling During Extreme Heat: If your system isn’t cooling well during a heat wave, it may still be functioning properly.
- Keep blinds or curtains closed: Avoid using ovens, dryers, or other heat-producing appliances
If you’ve completed these steps and your system still isn’t working properly, we’re happy to help. Submit a maintenance request through your tenant portal. For more troubleshooting tips, head on to our website here: https://www.pensacolarealtymasters.com/hvac Your comfort is important to us, and a little preventative care goes a long way. Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the summer season!
