Updated October 30, 2024
As Tallahassee residents, we know all too well the struggle of enduring hot and humid summers. With temperatures soaring and the sun beating down relentlessly, it’s not just the discomfort that’s a concern but also the strain it puts on your household energy consumption. It can be frustrating to listen to your air conditioner work overtime, while watching your energy bills skyrocket. But fear not! With a few simple energy-saving strategies, you can keep your home cool without breaking the bank.
Tip 1: The Power of Insulation
When it comes to keeping your home cool, insulation is your best friend. And in Tallahassee, where our summers can be particularly brutal, ensuring that your home is properly insulated is crucial.
Insulation works by slowing heat transfer, preventing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Some of the most commonly used materials for insulation include glass fibers (fiberglass), recycled paper products (cellulose), and polyurethane (spray foam).
The most common areas of your home prone to heat loss/gain include your attic, crawl space, and around your windows and doors. Ensuring these areas have the appropriate levels of insulation will help maximize your home’s energy efficiency. You can visit the Energy Star website to read more about the recommended insulation levels for our Florida climate. Take note that insulation levels are measured in R-Value (the higher the R-Value, the higher the insulating power). Investing in quality insulation (and air sealing) is an ideal way to reduce your energy costs while staying comfortable year-round.
Tip 2: Utilize Smart Temperature Settings
One of the easiest ways to save energy and stay cool this summer is by setting your thermostat wisely. Consider investing in a smart thermostat, which allows you to program temperature settings throughout the day. For maximum efficiency, set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re at home and raise it a few degrees higher when you’re away.
Also, be sure to take advantage of local resources offering rebates and incentives for energy upgrades (including smart thermostats) and save even more money.
Check out these sites to learn more:
- Allweather Insulation – Energy Programs in Tallahassee
- City of Tallahassee Utilities – Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Tip 3: Harness the Power of Fans
Ceiling fans are another cost-effective way to cool your home without overworking your air conditioning system. By creating a gentle breeze, your ceiling fans can make a room feel several degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat and save energy. Remember to set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in the summer for optimal cooling efficiency. Running fans in conjunction with your AC, can help distribute cool air more effectively throughout your home, ensuring maximum comfort on even the hottest days.
Tip 4: Minimize Appliance Heat
Appliances like ovens and dryers can generate a significant amount of heat, making your air conditioner work harder to keep your home cool. Instead of enduring a steamy kitchen, help reduce heat gain by opting for alternative cooking methods like grilling or using a slow cooker during the summer months.(Eating out is also a great option, but not the most cost-effective!) Additionally, run full loads of laundry on cold water cycles whenever possible and consider air-drying your clothes outside to further minimize heat output.
Plus, don’t forget to unplug your electronics and chargers when they’re not in use to avoid phantom energy draw and consider using power strips to easily cut power to multiple devices at once. Outsmart your smart devices this summer and take control of your home’s energy usage, one appliance and electronic at a time.
Tip 5: Seal Air Leaks
Unfortunately, every home has air leaks due to the construction process. These small leaks allow conditioned inside air to escape, significantly impacting the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system, causing it to work harder and consume increased energy. Help give your AC a much-needed break by taking the time to inspect your home for air leaks around doors, windows, and electrical outlets.
Simple fixes like weatherstripping and caulking can help seal these leaks and prevent cool air from escaping. But for larger or harder-to-reach leaks, it’s best to trust the job to a professional such as Allweather Insulation to ensure your home is properly sealed the first time. Combining air sealing with insulation is the best way to ensure you’re maximizing your home’s energy efficiency.
Keep Your Home Cool and Your Wallet Happy
Remember, staying cool during Tallahassee’s hot summers doesn’t have to come at a high cost. By implementing these summer energy saving tips, you can lower your energy bills, increase home comfort, and reduce your environmental impact. Whether you choose to upgrade to a smart thermostat, continue regularly cleaning your air filter, or improve your home’s insulation, every small change can make a big difference in keeping your home cool and your wallet happy.
At Allweather Insulation, our family owned and operated company has been helping homeowners from South Georgia to North Florida maximize their home’s energy efficiency since 1955. We’ve lived through many Tallahassee summers and know one of the best investments for a comfortable home is proper insulation. We’re committed to providing the best insulation solutions to local homeowners and meeting their needs with top quality products and exemplary customer service. Contact us today to receive your free estimate and take that first step toward a comfy Tallahassee home this summer.
