With air conditioners running around the clock, afternoon thunderstorms rolling in, and humidity that never seems to let up, Florida’s summer season can put a serious strain on your electric bill. Don’t sweat it though, because there are ways to keep those costs down without suffering from the heat. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep yourself cool and comfortable and avoid any sort of sticker shock during the summer season.
Follow our guide and see how some simple changes to your lifestyle can save you money during the scorching summer months. The summer season might be a couple of months away, but it’s never too early to get ready.
Start with Your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner will be doing most of the heavy lifting during the summer season, so routine maintenance is non-negotiable. Replace the AC’s filter regularly, because a clogged filter forces the unit to work harder, shortening its life and inflating your electric bill. Clean the vents so the air circulating through your home is both cool and clean; this is especially important for children, older residents, and anyone dealing with allergies.
Finally, switching the unit to an energy saving mode is one of the easiest ways to save some money. On top of this, it helps the environment in the long-term and extends the lifespan of the machine.
Seal the Envelope
All that cold air you’re paying for needs to stay inside your apartment. Run your hand along the bottom of the doors; if you feel a temperature difference, you’ve found an air draft. If you need inexpensive ways to fix these drafts, you can purchase a removable draft stopper from a hardware store to seal them up. As a bonus, sealing those gaps also keeps moisture out, which is one of the top ways to prevent mold in Florida’s humid climate.
Close the Curtains
If you leave your apartment at all during the summer season, an easy way to lower energy costs is to close your blinds or curtains. This will help keep cool air in and hot air out, removing the need to keep the AC running. In addition, sheer or light-filtering window treatments let in natural light while blocking any heat-radiating rays.
You don’t need black-out curtains to get the job done.
8 More Quick Wins
Here are some simple, easy tricks you can employ to minimize your energy consumption and lower costs without sacrificing comfort.
Reduce Energy with Your AC
If your air conditioner does not have an automatic energy saving mode, you can set the temperature manually to reduce costs. Set your AC to 78°F during the day and 70-78°F at night for the most consistent and energy efficient temperatures.
Remember, your air conditioning is also a dehumidifier and takes moisture out of the air, which helps deter mold and mildew.
Use Natural Light
When you’re home, take advantage of the natural light that the Florida sun provides, instead of relying on overhead lighting. You can also use sheer or light filtering curtains or blinds, as they will keep out harmful heat rays but allow in natural light. If you do have to use a light for a specific task, use an energy efficient bulb or smaller light to reduce energy costs.
Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans
Keep the cool air flowing in your apartment by using the ceiling fans. Not only will this help keep the space cool, but it will prevent the air from becoming stagnant. This will help eliminate odors in your home and prevent mold or mildew from forming. Circulate air and dust blades weekly to keep the motor efficient and prevent dust from accumulating on the blades.
Use Cold Water for Laundry Cycles
Switching to cold water for your laundry cycles will save you money and help the environment at the same time. If you choose to use hot water, your laundry machine will need to use a good amount of energy during a laundry cycle. Most detergents work the same in both hot and cold water, so choosing to use cold water instead will not affect your clothes or how clean they get.
Cook Smarter
Using an oven during the middle of the day can create excess heat in your home, which can make your air conditioner work even harder to cool the space. You should opt to use the oven in the morning or evening and avoid using it during the afternoon when it’s the hottest out.
In addition, you should consider changing your diet during this time of the year. Focus more on eating cold foods that don’t require cooking or heating, like salad or sushi or sandwiches.
Reduce Water Usage
A long shower may help soothe the soul and relax tight muscles, but it also eats up energy. Taking a bath is even worse in this regard, so you should opt for showers instead during this time of year. Shorten your time spent in the shower and do not forget to turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth or washing the dishes.
Manage Fridge Temps
Set your fridge to 38°F and freezer to 5°F for optimal efficiency. This way they won’t work too hard to keep your food fresh and cold while maintaining temperatures.
Weatherstrip Now
As we mentioned before, check your doors for any air drafts. Simply run your hand along the bottom frame of a door to see if you feel any air coming in. If you spot any drafts, seal them with a removable draft stopper before it gets deep into the summer season. This keeps you from losing cool air and can be a great help during a hurricane.
Speaking of which…
Prepping for Hurricane Season
The same weatherstripping that keeps your AC bill down also protects your home during storms. And while the following tips don’t necessarily relate to energy costs, they DO keep you safe and are worth noting and heading.
As summer ramps up, make sure you have an evacuation route planned, non-perishable food and clean water stocked, fresh batteries in flashlights, and a way to charge your devices. Stay tuned to local meteorologists for the latest updates — preparedness and energy efficiency go hand in hand.
The real heat of July and August is just around the corner. A little maintenance and a few habit changes now can mean a dramatically lower bill — and a much more comfortable summer — for months to come.
If you need some extra ideas on how to stay protected without feeling the burn, check out our other blog, Safety Tips & Secrets for the Sunshine State’s Scorching Summers.