7 Ways to Keep Your Building Cool in a Florida Heatwave
Introduction
Summer in Florida isn’t just hot—it’s brutal. For commercial property managers, the pressure isn’t just on the thermostat. It’s on your equipment, your staff, your utility bills, and your guests’ comfort. With record-breaking temperatures and strained energy grids, keeping your building cool isn’t a luxury—it’s survival.
Whether you manage an office, a fast food chain, or a fine dining restaurant, these 7 smart strategies will help you stay cool under pressure—without breaking the bank.
1. Get Ahead of the Grid: Adjust HVAC Setpoints Strategically
Florida power grids are under heavy demand. Raising your setpoint by even 2–3°F in low-traffic zones (storage rooms, back offices) can reduce load without sacrificing guest comfort.
Tip: Enroll in your utility provider’s Demand Response Program for rebates and smart energy scheduling.
📚 Facilities Management Advisor: 6 Ways to Save Energy During Heatwaves
2. Perform High-Frequency Filter Changes
During a heatwave, your system works overtime. Dirty filters choke airflow and drive up energy use. Swap filters monthly—or more often in kitchens and high-traffic spaces.
Bonus: Combine this with coil cleaning and refrigerant level checks for optimal cooling performance.
📚 Shyft: Commercial HVAC Maintenance Tips
3. Turn Down Internal Heat Sources
Electronics, lighting, even unused kitchen equipment add unnecessary heat. Shut down idle computers, printers, prep line gear, and non-LED lighting during non-peak hours.
Tip: Motion sensors in storage rooms and bathrooms can further cut heat and save energy.
📚 FacilitiesNet: Tips to Survive a Heatwave
4. Use Night Flushing to Reset Indoor Temps
If your building allows for it, open vents or enable fresh air intakes overnight to purge trapped heat. This reduces the cooling load in the early morning hours—without burning extra energy.
Caution: Only if air quality and security conditions allow.
📚 C2ES: Heat Waves & Passive Cooling
5. Focus Cooling Where It Matters Most
Strategic zoning is key. Adjust thermostats for guest zones first, not storage or hallway spaces. If you can’t zone digitally, close doors, use curtains, and block off non-critical areas from airflow.
In offices: Consider Personal Comfort Systems—small desk fans or targeted AC units allow central systems to run less aggressively.
📚 Lawrence Berkeley Lab: Energy Savings via Personal Comfort Systems
6. Inspect Outdoor Units for Obstruction or Overgrowth
Condensers need airflow. Clear grass, garbage, grease, or any obstructions from outdoor units. Shade units without restricting air movement for better performance.
Also, be sure roof-mounted units aren’t exposed to additional heat from reflective materials.
7. Proactively Schedule Mid-Summer Service
If you’re waiting until fall, you’re waiting too long. Mid-season service helps catch refrigerant leaks, failing blower motors, and cracked belts before they shut down your operation on a 100° day.
Remember: We offer same-day emergency repair and discounted labor for our agreement customers.
📞 Book your mid-season HVAC service now to avoid breakdowns and save money. Contact SSI Services
Conclusion
Don’t wait for your system to overheat—or worse, fail during a lunch rush or peak office hours. These proactive steps help you stay ahead of rising temps, rising costs, and rising complaints.
Need expert help now? Our Certified techs are ready. Same-day service available.
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