Cooler temperatures not only make it more enjoyable to spend more time outdoors, but it also helps us spend less on our home energy bills.
One of the main reasons most of us who live in Central Florida were attracted to the area is because of its abundance of sunshine. However, this Florida sunshine is also responsible for the sweltering heat and the high energy bills we must endure especially during the peak summer months of June, July, and August. Well, finally it seems our hottest days are beyond us. Now we can begin spending more time outdoors and less money on our energy bills!
Are you maximizing your energy savings?
There are several things you can do to reduce the amount of energy you pay to cool your home. We have compiled a list of items that can help reduce your home cooling costs. Below is a list of the first five tips.
Open your windows if the temperature is lower outside before the sun rises and after it falls, open your windows and your blinds. This will enable the cool air to circulate without worrying about the sun heating your living space.
Use fan’s little known fact is that most ceiling fans as well as other fans that are strategically placed throughout a house do not cool the space, but instead are intended to cool the people inside the home. The only time ceiling fans can cool a room is when they are blowing cooler air indoors, typically at night. Using a fan to blow cool air on one end of the house and another fan blowing out on the opposite side of the house can help maximize the cooling effect.
Regulating the thermostat any homeowners with programmable thermostats fail to use it properly so that they can maximize their energy savings. Increasing the temperature considerably while the house is empty as well as adjusting the temperature by a few degrees at night will result in significant savings.
Cook cold meals I’m sure you’ve noticed that your home typically feels warmer while using the oven or stove while cooking a hot meal. The heat that is generated from these appliances forces your air conditioning system to work harder especially if you’re cooking during the daytime hours. One suggestion is to use the microwave or outside grill when possible. Although the best alternative is to cook cold meals more frequently. Not only will your home remain cool, but eating a cold meal will also help lower your internal body temperature similar to drinking a cold beverage on a hot day. The most common and best cold meals include fruits and salads.
Turn off the lights installing Energy Star-rated light bulbs which produce significantly less heat and are more efficient is a great way to save money. However, a better alternative is turning the lights off. Indoor lights as well as many home electronics can produce a significant amount of heat so unplugging them or at least turning them off can help reduce your energy bills.
This is the first in a series of tips that hopefully you will find useful in maximizing your energy savings this autumn. If you would like to learn more please contact us at (407) 603-4410.
