The tropical climate in Miami means that the temperatures in the area are almost always on the higher end of a thermometer. As a result, it can be tricky to set your HVAC system’s thermostat to a setting that keeps your home cool enough to be comfortable but without adding too much to your energy bill.
This is especially true during the summer when temperatures can get as high as 89 degrees Fahrenheit. So, how do you keep your home’s temperature at a comfortable level without overloading your AC?
Here are six easy tips you can follow:
Top 6 Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool and Comfortable
So, how do you ensure your home’s indoor temperature is low or high enough to keep you but not so much so that you end up with a higher energy bill?
Seal Your Home
One of the easiest and simplest ways you can keep a comfortable temperature in your home is by sealing any cracks and holes in your home. Doing so means that your AC isn’t working overtime to cool your home, and it also keeps out the warm air coming from the outside.
Aside from that, sealing these cracks and holes also means that moisture is less likely to enter your home, which can cause mold growth that can harm your family’s health.
This means that not only are you improving the efficiency of your HVAC system by doing this, but you’re also safeguarding your loved ones’ health and wellbeing.
Upgrade Your Home’s Windows
Upgrading your home’s windows so that it doesn’t let as much heat in is another way to keep your home’s temperature at a comfortable level.
The Florida sun can be harsh, and it will undoubtedly be striking your windows for most of the day, which can increase the temperatures inside your home. This is especially true for older homes whose windows aren’t as good at keeping the heat out.
Of course, if you don’t have the budget for installing new windows, you can also opt for window coverings as an alternative. Installing blinds, awnings, shades, or curtains for your windows can help reduce your home’s heat gain, ensuring cooler temperatures and lower energy bills.
For example, external awnings can reduce up to 77% of heat gain in your home from west-facing windows and up to 65% from south-facing windows. With these, your HVAC system can focus on maintaining a comfortable temperature instead of offsetting the heat coming from your windows.
Regularly Maintain Your HVAC System
When it comes to keeping your home’s temperature cool and comfortable, your HVAC system undoubtedly plays a critical role in doing so. However, like any machinery or device, your home’s HVAC system needs to undergo regular maintenance to ensure it operates at its most optimal state.
Regularly maintaining your HVAC system will help it better circulate the air inside your home, keeping the temperature even and comfortable, no matter how hot or cold it is outside. Keeping it clean and in top shape also means that it’s less likely to struggle with keeping your home’s indoor temperature at a comfortable level.
Aside from that, it’s also less likely to break down frequently, reducing the need for costly repairs. Plus, since it’s operating more efficiently, you don’t have to worry about skyrocketing energy bills every time you stay at home.
However, it’s best to leave the maintenance to professionals. However, you can click here to learn more about them and what they have to offer.
Clean Your Vents
Aside from maintaining your home’s HVAC system, another way you can ensure your home retains a more comfortable temperature is by regularly cleaning your vents.
Dirty or clogged air ducts can make it harder for cold air from your AC to travel through, affecting airflow and temperature uniformity in your home. Besides that, dirty air ducts can also trap excess moisture, which can cause mold growth and health problems for you and your family.
Make Sure Your Home’s Well-insulated
Insulation is another critical element to keeping a comfortable temperature in your home. Ensuring your home is well-insulated means that your HVAC system won’t work as hard to maintain a steady temperature, keeping the temperature in your home even and comfortable.
Like window coverings, adding enough insulation to strategic areas in your home, like your attic, can help maintain a constantly comfortable indoor temperature by blocking any excess heat from entering your home.
However, you should note that the R-values for home insulation vary from state to state. In Miami, the ideal R-values for a home’s insulation are around R30 to R49.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat settings to keep your home’s indoor temperature at a comfortable level without increasing your energy consumption too much often requires a bit of trial and error. However, this can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially if you don’t have the time to see the results.
That’s why investing in a smart thermostat can be an excellent idea since it can help you monitor and keep track of your usage patterns. Then, it can use this data to adjust the thermostat settings automatically or turn it off when it reaches the right temperature to ensure your HVAC system’s optimal efficiency.
Bottom Line
Keeping your home’s internal temperatures at a suitable level is frequently easier said than done, particularly in tropical regions such as Miami. While you can always adjust your thermostat settings to make up for the heat, doing so can often lead to higher energy bills, leaving you with less budget for other things.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your home’s indoor temperature comfortable without increasing your energy consumption and costs, such as the six tips outlined above.