A Florida summer is officially here when the mercury rises and the humidity becomes oppressive. For many of us, that means cranking up the air conditioning and hunkering down indoors until fall comes. But did you know there are ways to stay comfortable without spending a fortune on energy bills? By following these simple tips, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Veg Out!
Living in a tropical climate like Florida gives you a significant advantage when choosing landscaping. You can plant more shade bearing, tropical trees, and vegetation to help provide shade and funnel the wind through your house. And since concrete retains heat, having grass and other plants will help keep the ground cooler.
Open Your Windows at Night
As the hot, humid Florida summer days drag on, it can be tempting to just sit in your air-conditioned house and do nothing. But if you want to avoid a hefty energy bill, there are some easy things you can do to keep your cool. A home with natural airflow will help you reduce your energy consumption. Try opening your windows at night. The cooler evening air will help lower the temperature in your house, so you don’t have to rely as much on your AC during the day. Plus, it’s a great way to get fresh air before bed.
Proper Ventilation is Key
Another way to maintain your house during hot, humid summers is by ensuring proper ventilation. Create a natural draft in your home by utilizing the stack effect. This happens when colder, denser air from the outside replaces the warmer, lighter air inside. To do this, your house must have one high opening and one low opening so the air can flow freely. The indoor air will rise to the high opening and be replaced with the cooler air from outside.
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Use Fans to Circulate Air
You can do a few things to ensure proper air circulation inside your home. One is to install fans, which will help hot air escape faster through the upper parts of your house. Another is to position stand fans so that they push hot air upwards. And if you have a ceiling fan, set it to spin counter-clockwise, as this will also help circulate warm air out of your home.
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