Summers in Lakeland, FL, are especially long, overheated and muggy! While there are typically a lot of fun and exciting outdoor activities to look forward to, the overheated and sticky conditions can be a challenge! The air conditioner runs just about non stop for approximately six to eight months. I’m typically shocked by the cost of operating the cooling system, but always hoping to save money and reduce energy consumption, I recently focused on my home’s insulation. I realized that a great deal of cool air was escaping by way of cracks around the windows and doors. I used caulk and weatherstripping to seal up these leaks and prevent hot, outside air from seeping in. I also replaced the insulation in the attic. With the sunlight typically beating down on the roof, the attic was heating up and spreading sizzling air into the home. I spent a easily unpleasant weekend in the attic, removing the outdated insulation and sitting down new. The temperature in the attic was well over a hundred degrees, and it was necessary to wear long-sleeves, long pants, gloves, goggles and a mask. I have also invested into a smart control unit. This particular model includes a feature called geofencing. It knows the locations of family member’s smartphones and adjusts temperature accordingly. The control component automatically conserves energy when the home is empty but cools down the living space in time for our arrival home. It also offers energy tracking and energy saving tips. It sends reminders to schedule annual repair and change air filters every month, but upgrading to smart blinds was another energy saving measure. The blinds are programmed to close in the day, preventing the sunlight from heating up the home. They open in the night when conditions have cooled down.