Keeping even the smallest homes at a cool and comfortable temperature can be challenging in Florida. The beautiful sunny weather is inviting all year, but warm moist air is standard throughout the state, especially in coastal areas. When you are in your home, you want to relax in a space with a comfortable climate. Practical home improvements will create an enjoyable space that gives you respite from the heat and humidity. Here are some simple ways you can make a comfortable difference.
Inspect Your Doors and Windows
Heat and humidity can creep into your home through outdated or low-quality windows and doors. Whether you have just purchased your new home or live in an older residence, checking for air leaks is an excellent idea. Hold your hand against a closed door or window and feel for any movement in the air outside. If so, you can use some weather stripping or caulking to seal the leak. If you have significant air leaks throughout your home, consider replacing your windows or doors to make your house more energy efficient.
Maintain Your Air Conditioning Unit
Your home will stay comfortable, and your electric bill will be lower if you ensure your air conditioner is working correctly. Tiny fixable issues can stand in the way of your system being in proper working order. Your air conditioner has various parts, like coils, filters and fins, requiring maintenance. The unit’s performance will decrease, and your energy bill will rise if these items remain unattended for an extended period. Making an appointment with a local repairman for your AC services in Tampa, FL, is the best way to maintain temperature levels in your home and keep the heat and humidity outside.
Insulate Your Home
No matter the size of your home or the conditions outside, insulation is vital to maintaining its temperature. Often, people consider insulation to be beneficial only in winter. Proper insulation is an excellent way to keep the heat from entering your home. Check yours to see if it is in good condition. You can find it in your attic if you have one or under your home. If the insulation appears thin or worn, it will be less effective, and replacement is recommended.
Consider Window Treatments
Heat finds its way into your home through your windows, and choosing the right treatments will affect how much it penetrates. Reflective linings in your shades will help rebound the heat away from your windows. You can find many options that will vary the amounts of heat and light you want to enter a particular room. Blackout drapes are an excellent choice if you want to block out all light and heat entirely. Consider a lighter option and use blinds and drapes together to create adjustable layers for any time of the day.
Adjust Your Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans inside your home, observe and evaluate their rotation’s direction. Adjusting airflow movement in a particular direction will change a room’s temperature. It is an inexpensive way to keep your air circulating throughout your home. When the air is hot, change the direction counterclockwise. It will guide the hot air down from the ceiling and create a cooling effect. When the temperature is more forgiving, you can change the direction to the original clockwise setting.
Consider Your Paint Choices
If your home is dark in color, it will attract and absorb heat from the sun. A light or white color of paint on the exterior of your home will reflect the sun’s rays away from your dwelling. It is an effective way to regulate the heat temperature and may be worth the added measure it takes to achieve the result. Generally, it is a great way to aid in economical home maintenance and add remarkable curb appeal.
Check Your Landscape
When you are outdoors and need a break from the sun, it is natural to look for shade to find relief. The same is true for your home. Consider growing a shade vine or planting a few trees around your house. You can visit your local nursery to find options suitable for you. Careful landscaping of your yard to create a particular environment can help keep your home cool and reduce your energy bill exponentially.
As a homeowner in Florida, you enjoy the many benefits of living where the skies are sunny most days. It is easy to find simple ways to keep your home enjoyable any time of the year. Many of these tips are affordable and highly cost-effective, so choose any that work for you.