New Year, New Comfort: How to Lower Your Energy Bills with Smart HVAC Habits

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset your habits—and that includes how you use your HVAC system. In Florida, where air conditioning runs almost year-round, small changes can lead to big savings. With a few smart HVAC habits, homeowners can enjoy better comfort while significantly cutting energy costs.

At A Plus Air Conditioning and Appliances Inc, we help homeowners stay cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient all year long. Below are practical, easy-to-follow tips focused on thermostat settings, air filter changes, sealing leaks, and maintenance schedules to help you reduce AC bills in Florida without sacrificing comfort.

 

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

One of the simplest ways to improve energy-efficient HVAC Florida performance is by adjusting your thermostat correctly.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Florida Homes

• When home: Set your thermostat to around 78°F

• When away: Increase it to 82–85°F

• At night: Slightly higher temperatures paired with fans can still feel comfortable

Every degree you raise your thermostat can reduce cooling costs by up to 3%. Over the course of a year, that adds up quickly.

Smart Thermostat Tips

Installing a smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make. These devices:

• Learn your schedule automatically

• Adjust temperatures when you’re away

• Provide energy usage reports

• Can be controlled remotely from your phone

If you’re looking for smart thermostat tips tailored to Florida’s climate, our technicians at A Plus Air Conditioning and Appliances Inc can help you choose and install the right model for your home.

 

Change Your Air Filters Regularly

A dirty air filter is one of the most common—and costly—HVAC mistakes homeowners make.

Why Filter Changes Matter

• Improves airflow

• Reduces strain on your AC system

• Lowers energy consumption

• Improves indoor air quality

How Often Should You Change Filters?

• Every 1–2 months in Florida homes

• More often if you have pets, allergies, or high AC usage

Clean filters allow your system to cool your home more efficiently, helping you reduce AC bills in Florida while extending the life of your equipment.

 

Seal Air Leaks to Keep Cool Air Inside

Even the most efficient HVAC system can’t perform well if cool air is escaping your home.

Common Leak Areas

• Doors and windows

• Attic access points

• Ductwork

• Electrical outlets on exterior walls

Simple Sealing Solutions

• Weatherstripping around doors and windows

• Caulking small cracks and gaps

• Professional duct sealing for larger leaks

Sealing air leaks helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduces how often your AC runs, and improves overall energy efficiency.

 

Stick to a Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Routine maintenance is one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term savings and comfort.

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

• Improved system efficiency

• Fewer unexpected breakdowns

• Lower monthly energy bills

• Longer system lifespan

What Maintenance Includes

• Inspecting and cleaning coils

• Checking refrigerant levels

• Testing thermostat accuracy

• Identifying worn or failing parts

At A Plus Air Conditioning and Appliances Inc, we recommend scheduling HVAC maintenance twice a year—especially before the peak cooling season in Florida. Preventive care keeps your system running efficiently when you need it most.

 

Start the Year with Smarter HVAC Habits

Lowering your energy bills doesn’t require major upgrades—just smarter habits and proactive care. By adjusting your thermostat, changing filters regularly, sealing leaks, and following a maintenance schedule, you can enjoy reliable comfort and noticeable savings all year long.

If you’re ready to make 2026 your most comfortable and energy-efficient year yet, trust the local experts at A Plus Air Conditioning and Appliances Inc. Our experienced technicians are here to help with everything from smart thermostat installations to full HVAC maintenance.

📞 Call (561) 858-0840 today to schedule your service or learn more about how we can help you reduce AC bills in Florida while keeping your home perfectly comfortable.