Living in Florida, you probably already have a well-worn routine you break into whenever inclement weather is on the horizon, but is preparing your Air Conditioning System a part of that routine?

According to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, is expected to be an “above normal” season with 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which will likely become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 “major” hurricanes.

These tips will keep you comfortable and your AC protected in the event of a hurricane:

Secure the Unit

Make sure your outdoor unit is properly secured to the concrete. Check the metal bolts and straps that hold your system in place for signs of rust or deterioration which could make the unit vulnerable to high winds.

Clear and Cover

Prior to the storm, bring in any outdoor tables, chairs or other items that could become airborne and cause damage to the AC System. You can even cover the outside unit with a tarp in order to keep it free from flying leaves, dirt and other debris, but make sure to remove the covering before you turn the unit back on!

Cool Down Your House

Before the threat of the storm is imminent, try cooling your house as much as possible so you are comfortable for a while after you turn off your AC System.

Turn Off the Power

Nearly 90% of all electrical system damage occurs when

Feel The Love, originally launched as Heat U.P. in 2009, connects Lennox dealers, like Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, with deserving individuals and families in their own communities.

Participating dealers volunteer their time and labor, Lennox provides the equipment and hands-on support, and select recipients get a new heating or cooling system at no cost to them.

Recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria, including physical, mental, or social disabilities; financial challenges; job loss; military service; and community service, but there’s one thing they all have in common - they always put others first. In the 10 years since the program started, Lennox dealers have installed over 1,000 units for deserving families in their communities.

How it works:

People like you nominate unsung heroes who may be going through hardship, helping others in need or simply supporting their community. After receiving all the nominations, Lenox honors a select group of recipients with new home comfort systems. Then, on the first weekend in October, Feel The Love Weekend, dealers from across the country donate their time and labor to make the program a success.

Nominations close August 31st so don’t delay!

If you or someone you know is down on their luck and could really use a new air conditioning system, visit https://www.feelthelove.com/florida and fill out the online nomination form today.

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a “near-normal” hurricane season this year, but you don’t need a very active season for just one hurricane to make landfall and wreak havoc.

Secure the Unit

Make sure your outdoor unit is properly secured to the concrete. Check the metal bolts and straps that hold your system in place for signs of rust or deterioration which could make the unit vulnerable to high winds.
Clear and Cover

Prior to the storm, bring in any outdoor tables, chairs or other items that could become airborne and cause damage to the AC System. You can even cover the outside unit with a tarp in order to keep it free from flying leaves, dirt and other debris, but make sure to remove the covering before you turn the unit back on!

Cool Down Your House

Before the threat of the storm is imminent, try cooling your house as much as possible so you are comfortable for a while after you turn off your AC System.

Turn Off the Power

Nearly 90% of all electrical system damage occurs when the AC is left on during a thunderstorm or hurricane. You may have to tolerate a bit of heat and humidity when you turn off your AC but leaving it on could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Wait 20 Minutes

Keep the AC System turned off until the storm passes and don't be in a rush to turn it back on. In the event of flooding,

With Sarasota summer right around the corner our air conditioners will soon be working much harder to keep us cool.

Just like normal upkeep on your car, your Sarasota air conditioning needs regular maintenance to ensure it continues to run efficiently.

During the AC preventive maintenance visit, skilled technicians carefully inspect all essential components of the air conditioner. They will make sure that your unit is in the best condition possible. Any damaged or worn parts can be replaced before further deterioration of them would damage other components or impede the operation of the unit.

A little prevention now will keep you cool all summer and save money in the long run.

Keeping cool is great for you, but not for your attic...

According to FPL, over 70% of homes in Southwest Florida have leaky ductwork. If you live in one of those homes, you’re probably spending 20 to 30% more on your electric bill – just to cool your attic!
Why are we telling you this now?

If you need to repair or replace your ductwork in Florida, there’s no time like winter.

Attics in Florida can reach temperatures of up to 130 degrees during the summer, so technicians can’t stay up there as long during the summer as they can when it’s cooler outside. This means that a job that takes 1 day during the fall or winter may take 2 days during the dog days of summer.

Air Conditioning companies are also much busier during the summer, so you’re more likely to get a great deal between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day!

How do you know if your ductwork needs to be repaired or replaced?

Most homes in Florida have flexible ductwork. Flexible ductwork is less expensive and easier to install, but it’s just plastic and, as such, it will deteriorate over time. If your ductwork is more than 5 years old, you should inspect it at least once a year.

1. Start by visually inspecting your ductwork. Look for tears in the protective coating, kinks, flattened areas, or even exposed insulation.

2. Flexible ductwork is very susceptible to wildlife. If you suspect that you might have had rats, squirrels,