Tips for Staying Cool in the Florida Heat

Last updated 10 months ago

Florida’s subtropical climate has average summer temperatures which reach up to 90 degrees, and the outside air feels at least ten degrees warmer due to humidity. The hot, heavy air takes some adjusting to for new arrivals, and even for natives, air conditioning is a prerogative.

Here are some tips you can use to beat the heat in the Sunshine State:

Use Air Conditioning
The best way to keep cool during a Florida summer is to use an efficient air conditioner. An HVAC system sucks the heat and moisture from the air and blows it into your home, providing a nice, comfortable environment for you and your family to enjoy even during the hottest days.

Insulate Your Attic
Improper attic insulation will allow the cool air from your air conditioner to leak out from your home. Your cooling system has to work harder to reach the programmed temperature due to both the cold air leaking out and the hot air from your attic, which can easily reach up to 150 degrees, seeping in.

Close Your Blinds
Keeping your blinds closed, especially on windows which receive direct sun, will drastically cut down on solar gain. The thickness and material of your blinds will determine how much you can limit solar gain, but generally, a well-shaded home will only gain one degree per hour when outdoor temperatures are above 85 degrees.

Wear Breathable Fabrics
If you plan on being outside for an extended period of time, especially during the hottest part of the day, be sure to wear breathable fabrics that cover as much of your body as possible to protect from UV rays. Cottons, linens, and moisture wicking fabrics allow your sweat to be cooled by the breeze, just as nature intended.

If you need to install an air conditioning system or need to have your current system repaired, contact McGowan’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Jacksonville’s premium air conditioning service. Call us at (904) 278-0339 to set up a consultation with one of our NATE-Certified technicians.