Energy Saving Tips for Summer in Florida

In today’s economy, we do what we can to save money. But when sky-high energy bills don’t seem to budge, saving money can feel impossible. To cut energy consumption, it isn’t always necessary to make large renovations. June 20th is the first official day of summer, meaning warmer and more humid days are in store for the Sunshine State. Whether you love or loathe the heat, it’s safe to say that no one enjoys an expensive electric bill, which is why learning small efforts to reduce your energy usage now can help you save money in the months to come. Check out these seven simple energy-saving tips to help you stay cool through Florida’s summer heat without breaking the bank.

1. Set Your Thermostat to a Higher Temperature

Did you know that adjusting your thermostat from 73 degrees to 76 degrees can save you around 15 percent on electricity costs? Just a slight temperature difference is enough to garner pretty significant savings during the summer months and beyond. This summer, try setting your thermostat to the highest setting that is still comfortable for you. For even more savings, we recommend turning your thermostat up more if you’re going to leave your home for long stretches of time.

Turning your thermostat up just two to three degrees in summer and down a few degrees in winter can save you more than you might think. Another way to save energy is to use a programmable thermostat so you can modify the indoor temperature to save energy while you are out of the home.

2. Use Ceiling Fans

If you have ceiling fans, utilize them! According to the energy-saving experts at Duke Energy, using ceiling fans can make you feel three to four degrees cooler. The breeze created by fans helps cool the body just as an outdoor breeze can. Using fans can allow you to stay cool while using your air conditioner less, which will save energy in the long run. If you have ceiling fans, these can also be used in the winter to keep things warmer by circulating warmer air down from the ceiling. Remember to reverse the blade direction to the winter mode each fall and also make sure you only use fans when people are occupying the room since fans cool people, not rooms!

3. Cook Outdoors

Summer is a great time for barbeques, cookouts and more! Cooking outdoors significantly reduces the amount of heat in your home. Using the oven and other heat-producing appliances makes your home hot, but by bringing the cooking outdoors, you’ll get to partake in a fun summer activity while keeping your home comfy.

4. Landscape Your Yard

Planting trees, shrubs and vines not only adds beauty and value to your home, but it can help cut cooling costs by keeping your home shaded. Not sure where to start? Check out our blog on strategic landscaping tips and tricks.

5. Maintain Your HVAC System

How often do you change the air filter in your AC? Although it’s a simple task, for many of us, our air filters remain out of sight and out of mind. Regularly changing your air filter, however, is an easy way to ensure your energy bills won’t skyrocket during Florida’s hot summer months. When you don’t change your air filter often, it becomes bogged down with excess dust and debris, making it harder for your AC to keep your home cool. For good measure, we recommend changing your air filter at the same time each month. On top of changing your air filter regularly, schedule a maintenance appointment for your AC at least twice per year, which will ensure that your device is cooling and heating your home as efficiently as possible.

6. Add Window Treatments

Excess sun shining through your windows can create a significant amount of heat in your home. But by adding window treatments, you will likely notice a big difference, both in your home comfort and your utility bills. Try using thermal-backed shades, drapes, and blinds to block sunlight and heat gain, and consider adding a solar film to the glass.

7. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Those gaps and cracks around your windows and doors may look small, but they have a big effect on your home’s energy consumption. Heat seeks coolness, so in the summer, hot outdoor air will infiltrate your home through any crack or gap. In the winter, warm indoor air will seep outdoors. This means that your heating and cooling system will have to run harder and longer to keep things comfortable, using more energy in the process. You can weatherproof your home to make it more energy-efficient and reinforce the insulation around doors, windows and the like.

Want to Save Money? Contact Energy Air

If you’re looking for more ways to save money, Energy Air can help you use less energy while still staying comfortable. There are lots of ways you can keep cool this summer without breaking the bank. At Energy Air, we offer quality residential and commercial AC services, designed to keep you cool for less. Check out our blog for more helpful tips and tricks to keep cool, or schedule an appointment online at your convenience.