If you live in Orlando, you know one thing, it gets hot. With the heat index consistently in the 100’s during the summer, keeping you, your kids, and your home cool is always on the top of your priority list. With that in mind, Miles from Kid Friendly Orlando has some advice for you on just how to keep your home cool. Look at a few tips that can make a big impact this summer.
Keep The Air Moving
We all appreciate the feeling of a cool breeze on a warm day. The reason that the wind is so satisfying in the summer is the thermal effect that air has. The wind chill effect from a breeze helps to pull heat from your skin, and you can replicate this with forced air.
The best way to do this is with ceiling fans, but portable fans can be almost as effective. A simple fan can make an 80-degree room feel like a 75 degree one, and it uses minimal electricity. If your air conditioning is struggling to cool your home, this can take the burden off your system.
Replace Your Air Filter
Your air conditioner uses a fiberglass or pleated paper filter on the air intake to protect the system from dirt and debris. This helps keep your system running smoothly until it gets clogged, at least.
Most home air filters need to be replaced or cleaned every 2 to 3 months. If it has been longer than that, you need to check your filter. A clogged filter will put a strain on your system and could even allow dirt to pass through and clog your air conditioning coils. Either of these things will keep your home from getting as cool as possible.
Check your air filter every month and replace it when necessary.
Dress Appropriately
This is Orlando, and you should know how to dress to deal with the weather. If you are wearing blue jeans and complaining about the heat, you should expect no sympathy.
At work, you may have to dress formally, but at home, flip-flops and shorts should be the dress code. Wear as little as possible; it is the Florida way. Doing this will allow your skin to breathe, which will make any room feel cooler.
Shut Out The Sun
Nobody wants to spend their time in a dark room, but that sunshine increases the temperature in your home. Use blinds or curtains to keep that solar energy out of your home.
Every window that you can cover will make a difference but pay particular attention to the west side of your home. This will be where the most intense rays will be during the hottest part of the day.
Avoid using foil to cover your window. It is just about the tackiest thing that you can do to your home and, if you have double pane windows, it could even cause damage.
Identify Sources Of Heat
Not all the heat in your home comes from the outside. Some of the heat is generated by you and your electrical devices—the more of this source that you can identify and eliminate, the better.
One place to start is the oven. This is the summer, so why not cook on the grill instead of heating up your home. You might be surprised at how much heat that 2000-watt oven heating element is putting out.
It goes beyond the oven, though. Look at all your electrical devices. Are you leaving the TV on when you are not using it? That produces heat. Do your kids leave every light on in the home that produces heat. If it uses electricity, it is likely working to heat up your home.
Try to unplug any device when you are not using it. Most devices these days consume electricity even when turned off. Unplugging them will reduce heat and save you money on your electricity bill.
Get Out Of The House
As a last resort, if you cannot beat the heat in your home, get out of it.
Obviously, you are one of the sources of heat in your home, so getting out of the house will take some of the stress off your HVAC system. It can also be a very good thing for you.
You live in Orlando, and while it is hot, there are also many ways to beat the heat. At Kid Friendly Orlando, we are devoted to helping you find ways to do just that.
So, what can you do to stay cool? Take your kids to one of the many splash pads, visit the heavily air-conditioned Orlando Science Center or head to the beach. Remember, you are only an hour away from world-class Florida beaches.
There is a lot to do in Orlando to beat the heat; you need to look.
