According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 88% of U.S. households use some form of air conditioning, while 96% of households in Florida do. This makes sense, given that the state’s climate is among the hottest and most humid in the nation, with the longest warm season, which can last up to eight to 10 months.

Early summer temperatures in Tallahassee typically experience the widest daily fluctuations during this season, with cool mornings shifting to warm afternoons, often forcing homeowners to switch their HVAC systems from heating to cooling within a few hours. This temperature fluctuation makes it challenging to maintain proper thermostat settings for optimal household comfort and energy efficiency. So, what’s a Tallahassee homeowner to do?

If you live in a Tallahassee historic home, heating and cooling were undoubtedly a significant challenge for its original owners. Homes built before the 1900s did not incorporate heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and any HVAC systems put into homes in the first half of the 20th Century were rudimentary at best.

Hurricane Helene remains fresh in the minds of many Tallahassee-area residents, and you may find it hard to believe that six whole months have passed since the Category 4 storm slammed into the Big Bend. Other than perhaps giving thanks that Helene spared our area from catastrophic damage, it’s time to quit looking back and instead prepare for the future as we head towards the start of a new hurricane season.

Humidity is just part and parcel of living in our beautiful Tallahassee area. Our subtropical climate gives us warm temperatures and high moisture levels throughout the year, and the relative closeness of the Gulf waters elevates the air’s humidity levels. When the heat and humidity get unbearable, we rely on our air conditioning systems to keep us cool and dry. Despite having an effective HVAC system, many people sometimes experience uncomfortable humidity levels in their indoor air.

The days are getting longer as the winter season fades into spring, heralding a steady but incremental increase in daily temperatures. While it may not be time to crank up the air conditioning in your Tallahassee-area home, now is the perfect time to prepare your AC system for the hotter days ahead. Spring AC maintenance helps ensure your system efficiently cools your home throughout the warmer months. An HVAC tune-up also helps reduce energy costs, prevents breakdowns, enhances indoor air quality, optimizes indoor air comfort, and extends the operational lifespan of your AC system.