Three Ways to Cool Down in This Amelia Island Heat

Amelia Island, Florida, is known for its pleasant weather, with winter lows rarely dipping below freezing. However, summers can be hot and sultry. Seasonal rains add humidity to the air, taxing air conditioning to keep the indoors comfortable. Here are three ways to cool down on Amelia Island during the hottest times of year.

Shading

Landscaping for shade can reduce temperatures around a building by 6 degrees. Well-positioned vegetation lowers heat gain through windows, doors and the roof, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent. Approximately 30 percent of summer heat comes through windows. Awnings, curtains, blinds and reflective window film block solar heat. Combining window coverings with landscaping can reduce temperatures inside by 20 degrees. Shading the exterior component of the air conditioner reduces the load on the system and cuts energy usage by about 10 percent.

Ventilation

Whenever possible, use natural ventilation. During cooler times of day and night, open windows to capture the fresh sea breezes. Vegetation can be planted to direct breezes toward the building. In addition, air handlers and air filtration systems can be added to an HVAC system to enhance ventilation and air exchange. Dehumidifiers are often recommended for places with high humidity to remove indoor moisture and make the living space more comfortable.

Annual AC Maintenance

Keeping your heating and air conditioning system in good working order is important for several reasons. Dirty air conditioners are the primary reason customers call for AC repair. When dust and debris infiltrate the system, the compressor must work harder to produce conditioned air. A well-maintained system provides a more comfortable indoor environment. Seasonal tune-ups prolong the life of the unit and can reduce energy usage by up to 30 percent.

Ed’s Comfort Solutions has provided heating and AC repair, maintenance and new HVAC installations for Amelia Island homes and businesses since 1967. We are a Trane Comfort Specialist, which means that both technological excellence and customer satisfaction are our top priorities.

Newer, high efficiency equipment better controls humidity and temperature. We provide free estimates when a new AC is to be installed. Call (904) 201-4779 to speak to one of our technicians about air conditioning options to help deal with the heat.