Lakeland, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate. The summers are long, extremely hot and muggy. The winters are short, cool and often cloudy. Central air conditioning is a necessity for the home, and we rely on it for most of the year. Despite high-efficiency units, the cost of keeping a perfectly cool and comfortable living environment is a major expense. I am never happy with the size of the electric bill. I take every precaution to trim temperature control expenses. I’ve installed ENERGY STAR rated windows and exterior doors. I’ve added blinds that I can close against the sun during the heat of the day. I’ve carefully caulked, weatherstripped and insulated. Ceiling fans help to create a cooling effect. Every month, I am diligent about replacing the air filter in the air conditioner to prevent dust and other contaminants from getting inside the system and diminishing efficiency. I’ve enrolled in a maintenance plan with a local HVAC contractor. They send a licensed technician to the house in the spring to complete a thorough diagnostic testing, cleaning and tuning. The technician inspects all components and replaces any worn or broken parts. He makes needed adjustments to maximize airflow and help to avoid energy waste and malfunction. Because of this service, I can expect the cooling system to last longer. Proof of professional maintenance fulfills the requirements of the manufacturer’s warranty. I’ve also invested into a whole-home dehumidifier that extracts moisture from the air as it travels through the cooling system. Maintaining ideal humidity levels allows for higher thermostat settings without sacrificing comfort.