Hot, humid summers in Florida mean higher electric bills as residents in Sarasota and Bradenton turn on their air conditioners to create a pleasant indoor refuge from the heat outdoors.
There are a number of easy ways to reduce energy costs in the summertime. These include:
- Purchase a high-efficiency air conditioning unit with a SEER rating of least 14. While the initial price may be higher, it will pay for itself in a few years by reducing your electricity costs.
- Regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit will keep it working at maximum efficiency. Call Wentzel’s to service your system every spring, and replace your filter monthly during the summer.
- Use a programmable thermostat to customize the temperature according to when you’re home and when you’re away from home. 78 degrees is a good temperature when you’re home. 85 degrees while you’re away for more than a few hours will reduce the energy consumption and save you money.
- Plant shade trees and shrubbery around your house, particularly the south and west sides which receive the most sun. This simple “green” solution can reduce cooling costs up to 30%!
- Locate your air conditioner condenser in a shady area, and make sure it is not crowded with plants, shrubs or other buildings. Give it space to release the heated air pulled from your home.
- Close drapes, curtains or blinds on the sunny sides of your house.
- Add awnings over windows on the sunniest sides.
- Tint windows with reflective or protective film to reduce the amount of heat absorbed through windows.
- Dark colored homes absorb more heat so choose light colors for your home’s exterior.
- An estimated 30% of the unwanted heat in a home comes through the roof. Increase ventilation by adding vents in the eaves, ridge vents or an attic fan.
- Ceiling fans help cool you off by increasing the amount of evaporation from your skin which means you may be able to raise your thermostat up to five degrees. Only run fans when you’re in the room because fans don’t lower the temperature and require energy to run.
- Close doors to rooms you’re not using and close off the cooling ducts in those rooms.
- Think about ways to reduce the amount of heat in your home. When cooking use appliances that generate minimal heat like microwave ovens and crock pots. Turn off lights and computers when not in use.
- Insulate your home with double-pane windows, weatherstrip drafty windows and doors, and seal leaks to prevent cool air from escaping.
Most of these measures are free or low-cost and will help reduce your overall energy costs during the summertime.