Fall is here in Florida. However, the weather may have you feel like it is still summertime. With the temperatures and humidity remaining high, putting on a jacket may still be out of the question.

Florida isn’t exactly known for its cooler temperatures. Consequently, living here presents distinct challenges that can put a strain on your energy costs, particularly when it comes to maintaining a cool and comfortable environment.

That doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying the seasonal coffees and changes in foliage, however. By being aware of how the weather might affect your energy use, it’s possible to keep your bills low while enjoying the gradual changes in the weather. 

Let’s go over what you can do to keep your utility costs in check this season.

Factors During the Fall Affecting Energy Use

Several environmental factors influence the energy costs of Florida residents. Fall is marked by warmer temperatures and high humidity, much like the summer months. 

With the weather and time of year being chief players, here’s what that means for your daily life (and bills):

• Continued AC use: Air conditioners in Florida have full-time jobs. The high temperatures mean your AC will be running more frequently and for more extended periods, especially in the afternoons.
• Higher humidity: High humidity makes the temperature feel hotter than it actually is. You may be tempted to crank your dehumidifier and AC higher to compensate, which ramps up energy use.
• Shorter days, longer screen time: As fall continues, the days get shorter. Consequently, this means you’ll be turning on the lights and appliances much earlier and for longer as well. Electricity use will increase, especially if you work from home.
  

Recognizing these challenges, we can develop effective strategies to manage energy costs. Let’s start with one of the biggest consumers in your house, the air conditioner.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Under Control

Whether it’s a central AC system or a series of mini-splits, the air conditioner is a mainstay in Florida homes. As one of the most commonly used appliances, it makes sense to take measures to maximize the value of your AC usage.

Start by servicing your HVAC system. As a piece of machinery, your air conditioner requires regular maintenance to operate correctly and efficiently. Use this lead-up to the winter months to do basic tasks like:

• Changing the AC filters
• Cleaning the ducts and dryer vent
• Schedule annual maintenance with an HVAC professional
  

All of these tasks ensure your AC is operating as it should and reduce the strain on the system. Proper maintenance also reduces the likelihood of a breakdown, which would result in costly repairs.

After maintenance, adjust your AC use. This habit may take some getting used to, but it ultimately helps reduce your energy consumption. Consider these actions to tamp down the temptation to crank up the air:

• Follow the 20-degree Rule: Set your thermostat to a temperature no lower than 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature (for example, if it’s 90 degrees outside, set your thermostat to 70 degrees or higher). This ensures you aren’t overworking the HVAC system.
  
• Use a ceiling fan: The 20-degree Rule builds on other cost-reducing measures. A ceiling fan works in conjunction with the AC to make a room feel cooler by circulating the air. Ensure the fan is spinning counterclockwise to push air downward, creating a breeze effect. Also, use fans only when people are in the room. Turn them off when you leave.
  
• Adjust your thermostat before leaving: An AC system running in an empty home wastes energy. When you go out for the day or on a trip, set your thermostat to a higher setting so the system runs less frequently. You can also use a smart thermostat to automate these temperature adjustments.
  

Now that we’ve talked about keeping your AC usage under control, let’s go over some other energy-saving strategies around the house.

Take Energy-Saving Measures Throughout the Season

There’s a good chance you have other appliances around the house. Modern conveniences like these do wonders in making our daily lives simpler. At the same time, there are always subtle changes you can make with them that will save energy. 

Let’s talk about lighting first. As we noted earlier, the days become shorter as fall gives way to winter. If you’d like to save on your electricity costs this season, consider making a few upgrades and tweaks to your habits:

• Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs.
• Try motion-sensitive lighting for outdoor and night lighting.
• Use solar-powered lighting for garden features and pathways.
• Only turn on the lights when someone is in a room, and turn them off when the room is empty.
  

After lighting, think about your appliance usage. Many appliances generate heat while running, so taking this into account can help you reduce your AC usage as well. Generally, try running large appliances, such as your dryer or dishwasher, in the evening or at night to minimize the impact on your energy usage.

Likewise, only use your stove or air fryer in the evening. Try adopting a practice like batch cooking or weekly meal prep to minimize your kitchen appliance usage. In the case of meal prep, you might be surprised at how much time you save over the week!

All of these energy-saving tweaks seem tiny if taken individually. However, a collection of smaller actions leads to significant change. By being mindful of your energy use throughout the fall, transitioning into the cooler months will be a breeze.

One last thing. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of your energy use, it is highly recommended that you conduct a home energy audit. Also known as a home energy assessment, this method can help you identify your home’s total energy use and efficiency.

Energy audits can also reveal which areas of your home require improvement in terms of energy use, enabling you to make strategic upgrades or changes. Your local energy or utility company may offer this service for free, so it's worthwhile to contact them to learn about their offerings.

First Florida helps you make the most of the changing seasons. Explore our Featured Articles section for more practical tips that make saving money feel effortless.