Energy Tips: Prepare Your Home For A Florida Summer

Beat the Heat Without Breaking the Bank

While it can already be quite hot in Florida, we know that the real heat has not yet begun. The dog days of July and August are right around the corner, so you should get your home ready for the Florida summer, before the real heat comes. Going to movies, theaters, water parks, and more are ways to survive summer by leaving your home. Beat the heat with these money saving tips and energy saving hacks and learn how to survive a Florida summer from the comfort of your own home.    

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Fixing an air conditioner

In Florida, we run our air conditioners for much of the year. But how often do you do maintenance on it? AC units require routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance. You want the unit to run well and get your money’s worth. Having to replace either window or central air units is not only expensive but disruptive, especially in our tropical climate.  

Replace the Filter

Replacing filters is step number one. Dirt and debris can catch in the filter, giving you sub-optimal air conditioning performance. By replacing the filter regularly, you are reducing the wear and tear on the unit. When you don’t replace the filter, you are not only denying yourself comfort but also are putting the unit itself at risk of failure.  

Clean the Vents

Having a clean air vent means the air you get is not only cool, but also clean. Cleaner air has lasting effects for everyone, not only people with respiratory issues but also children, elderly people, and anyone with allergies. If you are unsure of how to go about cleaning the vents, contact your building’s maintenance team. We regularly clean and maintain the HVAC systems, but we want to ensure that you are kept cool and safe all year long.  

Save Some Money

While the summers can be brutally hot, there are several ways you can keep your home cool while you’re not there. By turning your air conditioner to energy save mode, you are not only saving money, but also helping the environment. Another thing you can do is close your blinds or curtains while you’re away, keeping the cool air in and the hot air out. This not only helps block harmful and hot sun rays but will also help manage the internal temperature.  

Doors and Windows

Since you’ve now learned that you can save money and energy by closing your blinds and curtains, you may be wondering what else you can do to keep the cool air inside and the balmy air outside. Check your windows and doors for “air leaks”, or tiny spaces where the air is getting in from the outside. Run your hand along the window or door frame. Is there anywhere you feel a temperature difference? Go to a store and pick up some weather stripping or draft stoppers. You may not notice a difference immediately, but over time you will see how the air you want inside is staying inside, and the air you want outside is staying outside. This can also help ensure that no unwanted water gets in, which is one of the top ways to prevent mold.  

Ceiling Fan Upgrade

If you have a ceiling fan, time to get out the duster. Keeping both your ceiling fan and the blades clean will help with both efficiency and cleanliness. Not only that but dust is one of the main culprits of a dysfunctional ceiling fan. Excessive dust causes the motor of the fan itself to overwork. When motors overwork, they use more energy. When an appliance uses more energy, you end up spending more money on bills, and no one wants to spend money unnecessarily.  

Prepare for Storms

The arrival of summer also means hurricane season is swiftly approaching. Storms are part of our everyday life here. Putting weather stripping on doors and windows will not only help your energy output but will also protect against summer storms. There are many ways to prepare for storms and chief among them is making sure you know your safest evacuation route, in case of emergency. Other ways are to have non-perishable food and fresh, clean water available, make sure you have ways of charging cellular devices, put new batteries in your flashlights, and listen to local meteorologists to learn the latest developments.

Looking for a getaway this summer?