Living in Florida means hot and humid summers, which aren’t just uncomfortable for you, but also potentially damaging for your home. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prepare your home for the upcoming heat, ensuring that you and your family stay comfortable all summer long.
In this blog post, our HVAC pros at Best Home Services cover how the Florida heat can negatively affect your home and provide valuable tips on how to prepare your home for the upcoming hot weather.
Why Florida’s Weather Can Poorly Affect Your Home
Aside from being sweaty indoors and being even sweatier outdoors, the heat and humidity can cause damage to your home.
A few ways include:
- High humidity levels: The high humidity levels in Florida can cause moisture buildup in your home, leading to mold growth and unpleasant odors.
- Air conditioning overload: Your air conditioner will be working overtime to keep your home cool during the hot summer months. This can lead to an increased risk of system breakdowns and higher energy bills.
- Sun damage: The intense sunlight in Florida can cause fading and damage to your furniture, flooring, and other items in your home.
- Roof damage: The hot sun can cause your roof to expand and contract, leading to cracks and leaks.
- Electrical problems: The increased use of air conditioning and other cooling systems could put a strain on your electrical system, leading to potential hazards.
How to Prepare Your Home to Face the Heat
Now that we know what problems to look out for, our pros discuss some tips on how to prepare your home for the upcoming hot weather!
1. Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Checkup
One of the best ways to prepare your home for the upcoming Florida heat is to schedule an HVAC maintenance checkup. A professional can inspect your system and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. They can also ensure that your system is running at peak efficiency, which can help lower your energy bills and reduce the risk of breakdowns during the summer months.
2. Clean your Air Ducts
Over time, dust and other debris get built up in your air ducts, causing your HVAC system to work harder for longer and even causing poor air quality in your home. Not only will keeping your ducts clean help to make your home cooler, but you’ll be breathing in healthier air.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Having a programmable thermostat allows you to set your HVAC system to run at specific times during the day. For example, you can set your system to turn off when you are away from home and turn it on before you return. This way you can ensure you’re running your AC only during the “off-peak” hours of the day.
Go a step further and get a smart thermostat, allowing you to control your home’s temperature from anywhere.
4. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows, doors, and other areas of your home can let in hot air and cause it to work harder than necessary. Sealing these leaks can help keep your home cooler and reduce your energy bills.
5. Install Window Film
Window film reduces heat gain from sunlight entering through windows, keeping your home cooler and reducing strain on your HVAC system. It’s an effective way to save energy costs and make your home more comfortable during Florida’s hot summers. Consider adding window film to your home’s preparation for the upcoming heat.
Blackout curtains are easy to install
and still make a big difference.
6. Insulate Your Attic
Proper insulation makes a huge difference in your home retaining heat. Since it is not something you ever really see, you may not have thought about it being a potential issue. But insulating your attic, garage, and any crawl spaces will make it easier to keep your home cooler during the summer months.
Get Ready for Florida Heat with Best Home Services
Don’t let the Florida heat catch you off guard. By taking the necessary steps to prepare your home, you can ensure a comfortable and safe environment for you and your family all summer long!
At Best Home Services, we understand the importance of a comfortable and safe home. Our team of HVAC professionals is dedicated to providing high-quality services to our community!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
