I have the ductwork tested every couple of years and make sure to replace air filters every month.
The heat and humidity in St. Petersburg, Florida, can be a challenge. We run the air conditioner for the majority of the year. The expense of temperature control adds up to about fifty percent of the household energy budget. I am constantly looking for new ways to reduce the cost of cooling. I replaced all the windows in my home and carefully caulked around them. I spent a very unpleasant weekend removing the old insulation from the attic and installing new. The temperature in the attic was definitely in the triple digits. Because heat tends to migrate to cooler spaces, I was hoping to prevent the overheated attic from causing more work for the air conditioner. I’ve also installed ceiling fans and set the blades to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. I make sure to clothes the blinds and curtains against the sun during the heat of the day. Plus, I take very good care of the air conditioner. I am conscientious about scheduling professional maintenance. I hire a NATE-certified technician to thoroughly clean, inspect, adjust and test the operation of all components. He removes any buildup of contaminants that might restrict airflow, diminish efficiency and pollute indoor air quality. He tightens electrical connections, checks fan blades and lubricates moving parts. Regular upkeep helps to ensure that the air conditioner operates reliably and at peak efficiency and capacity. I have the ductwork tested every couple of years and make sure to replace air filters every month. With temperatures in St. Petersburg frequently climbing into the eighties and even the nineties, there is a lot of wear and tear on the cooling system. I hope to avoid expensive repairs and extend its service life.