As the temperature outside begins to rise, Floridians are getting ready for summer. Shorts, tank tops and swim suits will become a summer staple for many, but getting your home ready for this hot season is important, too. We've got a rundown of some key things you can do to prepare your home for summer, some of which could even keep a little more cold hard cash in your wallet and with temperatures hitting 100+ degrees, you’re going to need something cool around.
1. Have an annual check done on your A/C unit. Sometimes you have to spend a little money to save a little money. By scheduling an air conditioning check up you could be catching small problems with your unit before they turn into big problems. You can also ensure your A/C unit is working at optimal efficiency, which will save you money in the long run.
2. Install reflective film on your windows. Do you have east or west facing windows that always seem to have sunlight streaming in? Adding reflective film to these windows is similar to window tint on cars, blocking some of the sunlight that may be causing higher temperatures in some of your rooms and therefore reducing your electric bill. If you aren't sure about taking on a project like this, add energy-efficient blackout curtains to those rooms with extra sun exposure.
3. Clean out your gutters. We all know that summer time doesn't just mean hot temperatures here in Florida, but our rainy season as well. Making sure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris will guarantee they do their job.
4. Check your weather stripping. Up north they may use weather stripping around doors to keep the cold air out in winter but here in Florida we use it to keep the cold air in during the hot summers! Check your doors and windows to see if they are in need of new weather stripping, a simple and effective way to lower your energy bill.
5. Change your air filter. Out of sight, out of mind. When it comes to replacing your air filter, this is a cheap and easy chore to check off your list (when you actually remember to do it). Your A/C will run much more smoothly with a clean filter in hand.
6. Turn off & unplug. Gearing up for summer with big vacation plans? If so, turn off and/or unplug all major appliances. The same goes for turning off your water/hot water heater. These simple things can reduce energy waste when you aren't home and even prevent bigger problems from happening while you are away.
7. Stock up for hurricane season. This week marks the offical start of hurricane season, and the one week we Floridians can shop tax-free for hurricane related supplies. Take advantage while you can and ensure your family is prepared for safety this hurricane season. Shop from now until June 8th.
