May 4, 2022 – As hot as it feels now, summertime will bring even hotter temperatures to sunny SWFL. LCEC recommends taking simple steps now to beat the heat:
- When cooling your home, set the thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Each degree below adds 8 to 12 percent to the cooling costs.
- While away from home for more than two hours, set the thermostat at 83 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is a pet in the home, leave thermostat at 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Install a smart thermostat that will automatically raise and lower the temperature at certain times of the day.
- Be sure your thermostat fan switch is set on the “auto” setting. This is more economical for temperature and humidity control.
- Do not close A/C vents or interior doors when A/C is running.
- Service your air conditioning system annually.
- Repair duct leaks using metal foil tape reinforced with mastic adhesive.
- Check air conditioner filters monthly and change as needed.
- Turn fans off when the room is not occupied. Each continuously running fan costs approximately $7 per month on your electric bill.
- Run pool pumps for a maximum of 8 hours a day in the summer, and 6 hours per day in the winter, unless you are heating the pool.
- Install reflective window tint/film that will reflect 65 percent or better on windows facing east, west or south. LCEC also recommends installing awnings, storm shutters and planting shade trees.
In addition to taking steps to beat the heat while keeps electric costs low, now is the time to prep for storm season which starts June 1. Visit the Storm Center page on lcec.net to download the LCEC Hurricane Guide and to learn more about storm restoration. Visit the Energy Efficiency tab for simple and free ways to save on your energy usage.