When you take steps to reduce the need for air conditioning, you’ll see those high electric bills fall during Florida’s long, hot summers. It also will take a load off your HVAC equipment, which helps prolong its life.
These five tips offer long-lasting ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency:
- Inspect the condition of the attic insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests that homeowners have from 10 to 20 inches in the attic to slow the transfer of heat from the attic to the living spaces. Insulation is one of the least expensive and durable ways to stop summer heat from entering the home. Radiant barriers are another good option for attics in this climate.
- When you need to repaint or reroof your home, choose light colors that reflect the heat away instead of darker colors that absorb it. It’s particularly important to choose a light roof color because the sun hits it all day, building heat in the attic.
- Deal with the windows. Since summers are predictably hot in our region, make an investment in window coverings or thermal or Energy Star-approved windows. Single-pane windows provide little protection against heat gain. Other options include shade screens that can block nearly all the UV light entering through them without obstructing the view. Solar films also reduce the need for air conditioning and can help retain heat indoors during the winter.
- Replace an aging air conditioning system. Systems over 12 years old don’t run as efficiently, raising energy bills. The DOE reports that HVAC equipment consumes the most energy in homes. When your cooling system needs replacement, work with an HVAC contractor who will size your new system using industry tools to match your home’s need for cooling.
- Use ceiling fans to increase comfort and save energy. You may feel three or four degrees cooler when the air from the fan hits your body, enabling you to raise the thermostat by that amount.
If you’d like more information to help you reduce the need for air conditioning, please contact us at SSI. We provide outstanding HVAC services for the Orlando, Deltona, Daytona Beach, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Ormond Beach, Apopka and Oviedo areas of Florida.
Image Provided by Shutterstock.com