It’s hard to believe, considering the abnormally cool weather we’ve had so far this year, but summer is coming.  With temperatures already on the rise, our A/C systems should be stretching their legs and getting ready for another Florida summer marathon.  It’s hard to believe that we once lived without them, but now air conditioning systems are indispensable.  Unfortunately, so is both the environmental impact and the financial cost of running them constantly.  Here are some tips to stay cool in your Hillsborough County home this summer while still reducing energy costs and being kinder to the environment.

Become A Fanatic. Ceiling fans require much less electricity to operate than your central A/C system.  While they may not be able to actually lower the room temperature, the air circulation they create makes the room feel cooler.  Most homes already have them, and if yours doesn’t they’re very easy to install.

Shut It Out. When trying to keep your home cool on a hot Florida summer day, the sun is your worst enemy.  Be sure to close your blinds and drapes – especially those that face direct sunlight during the day.  This will assist in keeping most of the heat out and take some of the load off your poor A/C system.  Also, keep in mind that white reflects sunlight.  Draperies backed in a light color fabric will reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it.

Fiddle On The Roof. Properly ventilating your attic can mean a serious dent in cooling costs if it isn’t already.  Heat is absorbed through the roof of your house, and this source can amount to approximately 30% of the warmth in your Hillsborough County home.  The addition of a ridge vent, attic fan, or more vents in the eaves can better ventilate your attic and assist in circulating hot air back outside where it belongs.

Get A New Toy. While going retro can sometimes be a good thing, it doesn’t apply to your thermostat.  Upgrading to a programmable version can help you lower your energy costs.  Raising the temperature for a few hours during the day can make a big dent.  Experiment with your comfort level until you find the right settings.

Go Green-er. We all know that the air temperature is cooler in the shade – apply the same theory to your home!  Increasing the amount of trees and shrubs around your home can help to  reduce the effect of the heat of the sun, keeping your home cooler naturally.

Get Unplugged. Our homes are filled with gadgets these days.  From tv’s to computers to stereo equipment, we can’t seem to live without them.  Unfortunately, even when they’re not in use they generate heat while plugged in.   Consider unplugging items that aren’t essential, or switching off the surge protector when items aren’t in use.  Less power means less heat – as well as a lower electric bill.

Call For Help. Just like your car, an A/C system requires regular maintenance.  Calling your preferred company for a regular checkup before the worst of the heat hits can help you make sure that things are running as efficiently as possible.  Changing your air filters on a monthly basis is also extremely important.

Stop The Leaks. One definite way to decrease your cooling costs is to reduce the amount of leaks in your Hillsborough County home.  Anywhere heat can enter or cool air can escape is a place to look.  Check weatherstripping around around your doors and windows, and replace old or damaged bits.  Also look into sealing places where utilities enter the home – everything from plumbing to cable and electricity.  Last, but not least, call in an expert to check your ducts for leaks.  Most electric companies offer a ductwork efficiency evaluation service to customers as part of an energy audit.

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