By Cameron Midliff
If you live in Florida, you know that summer weather will present a considerable challenge if you want to keep yourself cool. According to the Climate Center of Florida State University, the average summer temperature in Florida is between 73 and 95 degrees. Although that will provide Floridians with a challenge to keep themselves comfortable, there are some ways to stay cool. Here are some tips that may help you stay cooler this summer:
1. Augmenting your air conditioner
According to Forbes, air conditioners are used in about 90% of American homes. With the high temperatures experienced in Florida, air conditioning has become a necessity. To help lower indoor home temperatures, use ceiling fans. Whether by the use of an integrated smart home system or by manually turning down air conditioning during the hours when you are not home, the thermostat will lower the interior temperature in the house to its desired level.
By using tinted windows, you will have better control of your indoor temperature. Further, you will want to follow good maintenance techniques to ensure the air conditioner will operate at its maximum capacity. Changing your air conditioner filters and cleaning your ducts will allow for efficient AC operation. Duct losses of heat or cold air account for almost 30% of energy consumption of energy in the central spaces of a home, according to Fujitsu.
2. Air conditioner safety tips
According to energy.gov, most Floridians can count on their central air conditioning units, which are expected to remain operational for about 20 years. One of the best ways for Floridians to help them stay that way is to schedule an annual HVAC inspection, including a check of the air conditioner. These inspections will examine the system and let you know if any repairs are needed now or if a proactive repair of one or more parts is advised. If your unit is cleaned during the inspection, you should test it as soon as the unit is dry to be sure it's working well.
To ensure the compressor (the large unit outside your house) works well, keep the area around the compressor clear of clutter or weeds. Another measure of energy efficiency is to clean the air conditioner's coils. If you don't know how to clean the coils, ask the visiting HVAC inspector how. As an additional safety measure, check the air conditioner coolant line and be sure they remain covered with foam insulation.
3. Make your daily routine cooler
According to Armstrong Air, the best way for Floridians (and everyone else) to feel cooler is to stay hydrated. Please don't wait until you feel thirsty; keep some cold water on hand and drink it whenever you have a moment. Your solid intake matters, too: choose fruits, vegetables, and foods that are low in protein. Contrary to what you may think, ice cream doesn't cool you down because food generates digestive energy, and the extra energy required to eat ice cream will produce extra body heat.
One of the best ways to feel calm is to dress in cool colors. For example, light, loose-fitting outfits will help you to keep cool. If you are highly susceptible to the heat, plan your day by staying indoors during the warmest times of the day. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages, as these cause your body to lose water and could cause you to become dehydrated.
Living in Florida means lots of sunshine, so keeping cool will be necessary. Keep yourself hydrated, and stay indoors when the temperature reaches its highest. Eating plenty of salads and fruits will also keep you feeling cooler. Try to keep the temperature as low as possible, and make your life as cool as possible!
