A heat wave in Florida can bring sky-high humidity and scorching temperatures, leaving your home uncomfortable and increasing your energy usage. Fortunately, there are ways to keep a room cool when temperatures spike in the Sunshine State. Follow these tips to keep the house cool all summer long.
Regularly Schedule Maintenance on Your HVAC System
Air conditioners need regular maintenance to continue to work correctly. Having your system regularly serviced can keep it running optimally when rising temperatures put it to the test. A knowledgeable technician can also spot potential problems and make repairs earlier, reducing the risk of your air conditioning failing during a heat wave.
Use Fans for Increased Indoor Airflow
No discussion of how to keep your home cool can skip mentioning fans. Ceiling fans, tower fans, oscillating fans, and box fans can improve airflow through a room, making it feel cooler and taking some strain off your air conditioner. Just ensure your ceiling fan is set to spin counterclockwise to push air into your room.
Upgrade to More Energy-Efficient Windows
Your windows play an essential role in air-sealing your home. Replacing older windows with new ones can help to eliminate gaps and cracks that allow hot air to seep into your home. In addition, the latest energy-efficient windows can act as a more effective heat barrier to keep your room cooler.
Use Heat-Reducing Window Film
Applying a heat-reducing film to your windows is another way to address heat transfer from outside to inside. These simple-to-use products block heat and reflect the sun’s ultraviolet energy to promote cooler conditions. You can apply heat-reducing window film to your existing windows or add them to newly installed energy-efficient windows for even more heat reduction benefits.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Temperatures change throughout the day, with the warmest conditions often occurring around 3 pm in Florida. A programmable thermostat can help you better match the temperature setting to conditions outdoors. Once installed, a programmable thermostat can automatically lower the temperature at a time that you specify. You can even set it to keep conditions warmer when you’re not home to conserve energy and reduce strain on your A/C.
Keep Curtains/Blinds Closed
Anything you can do to limit the amount of sun that comes through your windows can help keep your living spaces cooler during a heat wave. On hot days, keep your curtains and blinds closed and consider investing in room-darkening or blackout window treatments that limit how much sunlight gets through.
Limit Energy Usage During Peak Hours of Heat
To reduce your energy usage, be mindful of what other appliances you use during the hottest parts of the day. You can conserve energy by running your washing machine and dishwasher early in the morning or evening. In addition, avoid using appliances that give off heat, like your clothes dryer, stove, and oven in the afternoon when conditions are warmest.
Consider Planting Shrubbery/Small Trees in Front of East and West Facing Windows
Your landscaping can also help in your effort to keep your home cooler during the summer months. Shrubberies and small trees can create shade around your windows to support more comfortable indoor temperatures. You’ll see the most significant effects when strategically placing landscaping outside windows facing east and west.
Upgrade to a More Energy Efficient A/C System
You can lower the likelihood of an A/C breakdown and limit energy usage by upgrading and installing a newer, more efficient air conditioning system. A knowledgeable HVAC installer can calculate the full load of your system and then recommend a unit that can reliably cool your home all summer long.
Get Ready for the Next Florida Heat Wave
Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a new A/C system or want to schedule an A/C maintenance appointment to ensure that your system is ready for the Florida summer heat, E·D·S Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Contact us to book an appointment today.
