Staying cool in the hot summer months can be a challenge, especially in Southwest Florida where summer can oftentimes seem to last all year long. And while staying cool, saving energy, and saving money all at the same time can be especially difficult in Southwest Florida, it is certainly not impossible if you consider the following helpful tips:
1. Utilize your windows and give your cooling system a rest whenever possible. Southwest Florida tends to stay pretty hot year round, and particularly in the summer, but homeowners can still crack the windows at night or on cooler days.
2. Prevent heat gain from the sun by installing window coverings where needed. These can include curtains, drapes, blinds, shutters, and awnings.
3. Use fans in combination with your cooling system. Not only does the breeze feel particularly nice on hotter days, but a strong ceiling fan can aid in the circulation of cool air from the AC and even allow you to raise the temperature a few degrees.
4. Avoid using heat-producing appliances on hot days. Your oven, washer and dryer, and even your toaster or microwave all produce their own heat when in use and can really work against your cooling system when used simultaneously.
5. If you must use your dishwasher or laundry system on hot days, use only full loads to maximize their use. If possible, you may even want to air dry your clothes or dishes, as the drying half of these systems typically produce a lot more heat than the washing half.
6. Minimize your time in the shower and avoid taking baths altogether. You may even want to consider lowering the temperature on your water heater to ensure that you are producing less heat with each use.
7. Keep appliances off and unplugged when out of use. Even when you aren’t using your computer, TV, or even your curling iron, as long as they remain on or plugged in they can still add to the heat buildup in your home.
8. Make sure that all window and door frames are properly insulated and sealed. Not only will this help in preventing hot air from leaking inwards during hot summer months, but will also help during the colder winter months to prevent warm air from your heating system from leaking outwards.
9. Install energy-efficient light bulbs and make the most out of natural light, when possible. 85-90% of the electricity consumed by incandescent lights is converted into heat, so these bulbs should only be used when absolutely necessary.
10. Keep your thermostat at the highest temperature possible that you find comfortable. Also avoid turning it way down when you first get home, as this will not cool your home down any faster and will only raise your cooling bill unnecessarily.
11. Invest in a programmable thermostat. This will save you valuable time by not having to constantly check or monitor your system, and also ensure that you never forget to leave your house without turning the temperature back up ever again.
12. Schedule regular maintenance for your cooling system to ensure its continued effectiveness and efficiency. In between maintenance visits, keep your system running its best by ensuring that air pathways are clear, clean, and free of any blockage or debris.
For more helpful tips on how to make the most out of your cooling system this summer in Southwest Florida, contact All Day Air Cooling & Heating today at (239) 357-0727. We offer installation, repair, and replacement services, but are especially proud of our convenient maintenance packages that allow you to make the most out of your cooling system and ensure its effectiveness and efficiency for many years to come.
