Most Floridians do not look forward to the sweltering heat that comes with August. “Our instinct is to crank the AC and resign to cover it later,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Insurance, Florida's largest independent home insurance agency.
However, you can cool your home off without emptying your wallet. Learn how to cool off your home without turning up the AC by using these economical tips.
Install a smart thermostat. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports you can save $50 annually on your energy bills, although some thermostat manufacturers claim those savings can reach $100 or more. Popular brands include Google Nest, Lux and Ecobee.
Use fans. This seems obvious, but fans need readjusted seasonally. In the summertime, set fans to operate counter-clockwise and at a higher speed. Also, fans cool people not rooms, so turn off your fan whenever you leave the area. Be sure to turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen area and bathrooms to get rid of humidity.
Create shade. Many people really like the sunshine, but keeping blinds and curtains closed, especially on south and west facing windows will keep your home cooler. Investing in blackout curtains can significantly reduce heat gain.
Replace your air conditioning filter. The united states United states doe (DOE) suggests replacing your air conditioning filter with a clean it's possible to decrease your AC's energy consumption by 5-15 percent.
Get a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture out of the air. Lowering the quantity of moisture in the air causes us to be feel cooler. Additionally, it provides respite from mold, mildew and some allergens.
Switch your lights. Ditch incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Incandescent bulbs waste 90 % of the energy in the heat they produce. Replacing them can cool your home while lowering your utility bill.
Avoid creating heat. Switch off your hairdryer and the oven. Utilize your grill and crock pot more regularly.
“Focus on cooling people, not the home,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Insurance, Florida's top independent homeowners insurance agency.
Be smart regarding your clothing choices and also have lots of cool drinks on hand.
