6 Energy Efficient Tips and Money Savers for Homeowners in Florida
Florida winter? Yes, we have one but not what most people living in Northern states would find comparable. Sunshine state residents, however; will share that for a few months the temperatures and moisture can change very quickly from shorts to sweater weather. When those temps do take a few dips, there are a number of simple ways to keep your home comfortable and not break the bank before the average 80 degrees returns.Here are a few simple tips for homeowners to take a bite out the cold and their electric bills.
1. Install and Program a Thermostat
Did you know that each degree you raise your thermostat can cause an increase in fuel bills by 3%? A programmable thermostat allows you to keep the temp in your home at a steady comfort range. You can also have it scheduled to be lower during the night and hours that you aren’t at home. Some can be programmed per room saving valuable energy in rooms not used. Also an ideal humidity level is between 30% – 60%. Many newer models of thermostats allow you to pre-set this as well.
2. Change your Filters and Maintain Your Water Heater Regularly
Flush your water heater and replace your filters regularly. Make sure all areas of intake and outtake of airways are clean and clear. If you are not familiar with how to ‘bleed’ your water heater, hire a professional for the maintenance.
3. Insulate
Insulation in your attic and walls makes a huge difference in maintaining temperature all year long. It keeps the warm in when needed and helps your AC unit work less harder in the hottest seasons. Insulation for exposed pipes and spigots help water temperature regulate as well. We may not have many times a year that pipes may potentially freeze, but every little bit helps.
4. Caulk and Install Weather Stripping
Windows and doors should be re-caulked and re-sealed. Home inspectors often tell us, one of the most common places for water intrusion and air escaping is around windows and doors. If you have a monthly/yearly maintenance check list for your home, make sure you include this step.
5. Use Your Ceiling Fans
Most of us would think, well yes, for cooling. Of course, that is correct. However, in the winter months, reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to keep the warmer air closer to the floor and living area.
6. Update Windows
If you haven’t already, or if the investment to replace old windows is not currently in your budget – there are a few things you can do to reduce air loss and temperature control. Black out curtains are great in the winter months to keep some cooling off the windows coming in. In the daylight hours, keep them open on the south side of your home to increase natural warmth from sunlight. There are some DIY insulating films that you can purchase at home improvement stores as well.
The good news for those of us living in the tropics is that the colder months and temps are short lived. Any of these above tips may not seem like they would make a big difference, but they do. That includes keeping you cool when things heat up too.
Do you have any questions regarding ways to improve your living space? We can help with some of that as well. Feel free to reach out to us.
You can always see what we are up too and post your questions or share some tips you found useful on our Facebook and Instagram as well!
Until next time…
Your Friend and Realtor ®,
Amber
