Florida’s nickname is not the Sunshine State for no reason. Without a doubt, it is a state that has an abundance of sunshine and significant heat to go with it. If you have just moved to the area, getting used to the warmth can take some time. With that said, there are several ways that you can beat the heat to stay more comfortable.
1. Take Care of Your Air Conditioner
Whether you just moved in or you have been in Florida for a while now, there is never a bad time to give your air conditioner some attention. If you cannot remember the last time you checked or cleaned your AC unit, you should make it a priority sooner than later. Find AC maintenance in Tampa or other areas in Florida in the cooler months so you don’t have to worry about it once it really warms up.
2. Drink Enough Water
How much water do you drink every day? If you are like most adults, the answer is likely, “Not enough.” According to Harvard health researchers, people should try to drink at least four to six cups of water each day. When you have a busy schedule to maintain, however, doing so can be challenging. If this sounds familiar, one solution is by investing in a durable and reusable water bottle that is convenient for taking with you to school, work or wherever you go.
3. Turn Off the Oven
Turning off the oven might sound like a no-brainer, but it is something that is easy and common to forget about. Not only does keeping the oven on when you are not using it a fire hazard, but it can also contribute to a significant amount of unwanted heat. Depending on the time of year and the ventilation in your home, leaving your oven on can make your home start to feel like an oven within a short duration of time.
4. Use Block-Out Curtains
How many windows does your living space have? For homes that let in a lot of sunshine, changing up the curtains can make a major difference. This is especially true if you invest in block-out curtains that are specifically intended for blocking out heat waves. Even though it is just material, the amount of temperature reduction from your choice of curtains might surprise you.
5. Unplug Your Computer
Something else you may not consider when it comes to staying cool is how much electricity you are using. For example, computers are common household devices that can produce a lot of heat, especially when they are charging. If you frequently leave your computer plugged in, try unplugging it more often after it is fully charged. Not only will this increase the life of your device, but it can also reduce the temperature of the surrounding area.
6. Change Out Your Lightbulbs
Speaking of electricity, how many lights do you have around your home? Just like computers give off heat, so do lightbulbs. In many cases, lightbulbs produce even more heat. With this in mind, consider keeping the lights off more often, or if that is not an option, try changing out your lightbulbs. There are many energy-efficient products that can reduce your electricity bill while also keeping your home cooler.
7. Eat Light
Another way to beat the heat in Florida is by eating right. In addition to staying hydrated, you can also stay cool by eating light during heat waves. If this sounds odd, consider how you feel after eating too much food. That full, bloated feeling that comes with overeating can also contribute to your body temperature and overall comfort level.
There are many reasons to love living in Florida, but sometimes the heat can be too much even for native Floridians. Whether you were born here or you have moved in from another location, following tips such as these can help you and your family stay cool so you can enjoy your time in the Sunshine State.
