Ah, fall in Florida—or, as we like to call it, “second summer.” With most of our trees staying green, plus tourists out on our beaches for a few more months, our primary concern is still keeping cool as autumn makes its move.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your home comfortable without running up your AC bills, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make your home cooler in Florida’s fall weather.

1. Make the Most of Your Window Treatments

It may be tempting to let the sunlight in with the start of fall, especially once it seems less likely to scorch us like it does in the summer—but resist the urge.

In the cool months of the year, 76% of the sunlight that falls on your windows will enter as heat, unless you use window treatments and coverings. For more efficient Florida cooling, and to avoid costly utility bills for an overworked air conditioner, it’s a good idea to keep direct sunlight away where you can.

2. Use Fans Wisely

Even with a functional air conditioner, chances are you use fans around your home to help escape the heat. Here’s a trick to keep cool: placing a box fan near your window, facing the screen, can act as an exhaust and help draw hot air out of your room.

In addition, if you didn’t ensure that your ceiling fans spin counter-clockwise at the start of summer, it’s a good idea to do so now. This pushes warmth toward the ceiling instead of blowing it down to you.

3. Time Your Chores Well

In the hottest parts of the day, avoid doing things like cooking in your kitchen, using heat-inducing appliances like your washer or dryer, or ironing laundry. All of these activities can add unnecessary warmth to your home’s interior. Where possible, do these in the cooler evenings to keep your home comfortable.

4. Keep Your AC Running Strong

You should be maintaining your HVAC system at least twice a year—usually once in the spring and once in the fall. In the rest of the country, the fall maintenance is meant to get your furnace up to speed in time for cool weather, but here in Florida, it’s just as important to check your air conditioner as well.

Make sure you’ve replaced the air filter as needed, and clean your vents and registers to be sure they’re free of dust. Clean any debris or dust on any part of your unit, and consider getting some professional HVAC maintenance in Florida’s warm fall weather.

5. Turn Off the Power

It may seem like a minor factor, but incandescent light bulbs radiate heat. If you have these antiquated bulbs in your home, consider turning them off when possible to keep them from warming up your home. You might also want to replace them with energy-efficient options when you can.

How to Make Your Home Cooler in Florida’s Fall Heat

With heatwaves sandwiched between cool fronts, Florida’s fall weather can throw you for a loop. Knowing how to make your home cooler can help you keep your house at a comfortable temperature without causing your air conditioner bills to skyrocket!

As always, if you’re seeking more personalized tips to keep your home’s air conditioner running strong, we’re happy to come help inspect and maintain your system. Contact us today to set up an appointment.