If you want to stay cool in the hot Florida sun, you will find there are plenty of options to help you keep your Orlando apartment as cool as a cucumber. Unfortunately, the most popular bet – running that air conditioner at full blast 24/7 – will cost you and the environment dearly.
Don’t despair! There are ways to put the environment first while making sure you stay cool no matter what the mercury reads outdoors. So, how can you do your part to save energy, save money and save yourself from heat stroke? There are quite a few things…
1. Cook with creativity – Turning the oven on for long stretches of time in the summer will heat up your apartment to the point of boiling. Instead, use a grill, the microwave or cut up a salad. Doing so will help you keep your thermostat on a reasonable setting and these moves will all save you money on your electric bills.
2. Make sure your appliances are Energy Star rated – If they are not, ask your apartment management why not.
3. Use heavy drapes – Half the problem with indoors heat in Florida homes is a lack of covering on most people’s windows. Keep those hot rays out by properly weatherproofing windows and making sure they are blocked off with heavy drapes.
4. Run your ceiling fans when you are home – You’re likely to find most Orlando apartments have ceiling fans in the bed rooms, living room and perhaps even the dining room. These wonderful devices can help keep the cool air circulating. Remember, however, that fans cool off people, not room. When you’re not in a room, turn them off to save money and save energy.
5. Check for leaks – Make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed to avoid air conditioning leaks. The more efficient your apartment is, the less you’ll have to run your AC.
6. Regulate the temperatures – Try setting your thermostat a few degrees higher. If you love it at 76, try for 78. You will get used to the slight change in a day or two and the difference two degrees can make will be very evident on your electric bill.
7. Change out your lights – Lighting can heat up a room just as much as the sun. Look for low energy use bulbs and make sure they are well insulated and shaded to prevent them from heating up your rooms. Don’t forget to turn off lights when they are not in use.
Saving money and staying cool in an Orlando apartment is more than feasible. When the right steps are taken, you can beat the heat without having your budget beaten in the process.
{ 0 comments… add one now }