Summers in Lakeland, Florida, are especially long, tepid as well as muggy, and while there are typically a lot of fun as well as exciting outdoor activities to look forward to, the tepid as well as 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. Always hoping to save money as well as reduce energy consumption, I recently focused on my home’s insulation. I realized that a superb deal of cool air was escaping by way of cracks around the windows as well as doors. I used caulk as well as weatherstripping to seal up these leaks as well as prevent hot, outside air from seeping in. I also replaced the insulation in the attic. With the sunshine always beating down on the roof, the attic was heating up as well as spreading warm air into the home. I spent a really unpleasant weekend in the attic, removing the seasoned insulation as well as laying down new. The temperature in the attic was well over a hundred degrees, as well as it was necessary to wear long-sleeves, long pants, gloves, goggles as well as a mask. I have also invested into a smart thermostat. This particular model includes a feature called geofencing. It knows the locations of family member’s smartphones as well as adjusts temperature accordingly. The thermostat automatically conserves energy when the house is empty but cools down the residing space in time for our arrival home. It also offers energy tracking as well as energy saving tips. It sends reminders to schedule annual repair as well as change air filters every month; Upgrading to smart blinds was another energy saving measure. The blinds are programmed to close in the day, preventing the sunshine from heating up the home. They open in the night when conditions have cooled down.