Keeping cool in the Florida heat, especially during those long summer days and humid nights, is crucial. You may have your AC unit on full blast and the ceiling fans on high. But did you know there are some other ways you can reduce the temperature in your South Florida home without running up your electricity bill?
Here are some home improvement tricks, ranging from the fairly easy fixes to some more detailed work, that Platinum Sand Construction could help you change.
Lighting
Lighting plays a key role in ensuring the heat in the house is down. Energy-efficient lighting will not only reduce the warmth in your home, but it’s also another great way to cut down on the cost of your electricity bill, especially if you’re needing to offset the increased use of your AC.
Outdoor
Sometimes, it’s as easy as adding a little greenery outdoors to help cool things down indoors. If your home allows it, try planting some local flora for shade. Not only will this be an effective way to block some sun, but it’s also a great way to add some character and natural beauty to your yard or patio.
Flooring
Platinum Sand Construction offers a wide range of flooring options, and some can even cool down a room, such as porcelain, natural stone, and vinyl. While all of our flooring options are great for Southern Florida’s humidity and weather, consider trading out your carpet for some of the cooler choices.
Windows
While it may seem like a no-brainer that windows can contribute to a house’s temperature, it’s also important to understand what to do with your windows to really maximize their output. There’s a simple solution of adding blinds or curtains, especially ones that block out sunlight. You can also consider installing energy-effecient windows with low emissivity (aka ‘low-e’) glass, which have been proven to keep out more heat.
Open Floor Plan
If you’re ready for a full home renovation, consider an open floor plan. While this is great for many homes, it’s an especially smart choice for South Floridians looking to improve air circulation amidst all the hot weather. Not to mention how trendy and energy-efficient open floor plans can be!
General Tips
Here are some other home improvement tricks to cool down your house without much extra cost:
- Install an outdoor awning
- Turn your ceiling fans to run counter-clockwise
- Run big appliances at night (such as your dishwasher, oven, and dryer)
- Place a dehumidifier in the room
- Buy a smart thermostat
- Grill outdoors versus cooking indoors
- Weatherstrip for your front and back doors
At Platinum Sand Construction, we’re all about making sure your house feels like a home. Between the humidity and the afternoon showers, you may not be able to spend all of your time outdoors in the summer, but by tweaking just a few things with our home improvement tricks, you can stay cool and comfortable no matter the weather.
Set up an appointment with our home renovation specialists in Boynton Beach to make your home feel and look cooler!
