Florida Fall Energy Savings

We are just starting to feel a bit of slight relief in the air!

We trade the punishing heat of summer for... slightly less punishing heat and a pleasant drop in humidity. While the rest of the country is firing up their furnaces, we’re still running our A/C—but not quite as hard.

This season of transition, with its mix of warm days and wonderfully cool evenings, is the perfect time to focus on maximizing energy savings. Here’s a few tips to help keep your power bills low this Florida fall:

1. The HVAC System: Your Year-Round Energy Hog

   Even in the fall, your A/C is your biggest electricity consumer. This is a critical time for maintenance.

   • Change Your Filter (Monthly!): This is the easiest way to ensure your system runs efficiently.
   • Clear the Condenser: Fall storms and light yard debris can easily build up around your outdoor A/C unit. It needs at least two feet of clear space for proper airflow.
   • Test the Heat. Run your heater for 10-15 minutes before you need it to catch any problems early.
   • Schedule Fall Maintenance: A professional tune-up ensures the system is ready for the unpredictable swings. Air Masters of Tampa Bay will check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and inspect electrical components—all vital for year-round efficiency.
   
   
2. Strategic Thermostat Operation Florida’s mild weather is perfect for "coasting" your home's temperature, using the outside air to your advantage.
   • Raise Your Set Point: With outdoor temps dropping into the 70s and 60s, you can comfortably raise your A/C thermostat setting to 78.
   • Use the Fan, Not the Compressor: Keep that ceiling fan spinning counter-clockwise to create a refreshing breeze. Just remember: turn the fan off when you leave the room, as it cools people, not the air.
   • Consider a Smart Thermostat: These devices learn your schedule and automatically adjust temperatures, cooling less when you're away and ensuring you don't over-cool during the beautiful fall evenings.
   
   
3. Attack the Air Leaks If you can feel the air moving around a window or door, you are paying to condition the outside!
   • Weatherstrip & Caulk: Check around all doors and windows. Apply fresh caulk to gaps in window frames and add or replace worn-out weatherstripping on door jambs.
   • Check Electrical Outlets: Use foam gaskets behind the faceplates of outlets and switches on exterior walls.
   
   
4. Smart Appliance and Lighting Use Your home appliances generate heat, making your A/C work harder.
   • Run Heat-Producing Appliances at Night.
   • Switch to LED Lighting.
   • Unplug "Energy Vampires": Electronics like TVs, chargers, and gaming consoles draw power even when turned off.
   
   

Call on Air Masters of Tampa Bay, voted #1 Best A/C company in Tampa Bay for year-round 24/7 emergency service, free second opinions and free estimates. (813) 267-4694.