Glades & Hendry Residents Save Energy & Money This Heat Wave

Glades and Hendry County residents can lower utility bills and conserve energy during the ongoing high temperatures with simple lifestyle adjustments. Cooling, water heating, appliance usage, and electronics all offer opportunities for savings.

Air conditioning accounts for about half of a home’s energy use during hot months. Residents can save by raising thermostat settings when away and lowering them upon return. Programmable thermostats automate this process. Regular maintenance, including monthly air filter checks and vacuuming intake vents, ensures efficiency. Ensure furniture does not block airflow from registers. In Florida's humid climate, an energy-efficient dehumidifier can help air conditioners maintain comfort by reducing indoor humidity.

Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect, making rooms feel cooler. Turn off ceiling fans when leaving a room, as they cool people, not spaces.

Water heaters are the second-largest energy expense. Lowering the factory-set 140-degree temperature to 120 degrees maintains comfort while cutting costs. Insulating the water heater tank and hot water pipes improves efficiency. Water heater timers reduce heating duration. For absences of three days or more, set the water heater to its lowest setting or turn it off.

Major appliances use 13 to 25 percent of a home’s electricity. Ensure refrigerator and freezer temperatures are optimal: 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator and 0 degrees for the freezer. Cleaning condenser coils every three to six months boosts efficiency by up to 30 percent.

Wash full loads of laundry using cold water whenever possible. Heating water consumes about 90 percent of a washing machine's energy. Air dry clothes to avoid adding heat to the home. Run dishwashers and washing machines during cooler morning or evening hours to reduce indoor heat and humidity, easing the air conditioner’s workload.

Avoid using the oven on hot days. Opt for microwaves or outdoor grilling to keep homes cooler, providing welcome relief for those working in agricultural fields.

Seal drafts around doors and windows with weather stripping or caulk to prevent cool air escape. Close blinds, drapes, and shades during peak heat to block solar heat gain. Keep interior doors open to promote airflow between rooms.

Open windows for cross-ventilation during cooler mornings and nights, and close them tightly during hot periods.

Power off electronics when not in use. Unplug phone chargers, which continue to draw power. Adjusting brightness settings on TVs, monitors, and tablets significantly reduces consumption. Avoid screen savers, which can prevent computers from entering sleep mode. Shut down computers after use. Using streaming devices for media playback consumes 15 times less energy than gaming consoles.