As Floridians ourselves, we know that the cost of air conditioning becomes one of the largest home expenses during the long summers. Cooling expenses should also be a consideration when buying a house as both electricity and the premiums for Florida homeowners insurance are two big costs of homeownership to consider beyond just making mortgage payments.

Florida Homeowner Tips: Reducing Air Conditioning Bills

These are some of the steps you can take to keep your home comfortable and cheaper to run:

•Seal: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that gaps in your doors and windows could let as much outside air in as an open window if your home is not properly draft proofed. The addition of additional sealant or weather stripping around doors and windows could reduce your power bills and help your house stay more comfortable.

• Insulate: Adding additional insulation is one of those home improvement projects that usually pays for itself in a short time. You can choose to hire a professional or plan it as a DIY project on the weekend.

• Use fans: Box and ceiling fans don't actually reduce the temperature, but they help rooms feel cooler in the same way that a breeze can cool you off on a warm day. Just remember to turn them off if nobody is in the room.

• Install a programmable thermostat: It makes sense to turn the thermostat up if nobody stays home all day, and a programmable thermostat can do this job automatically. It can also be set to reduce the temperature a short time before everybody gets home from school and work.

• Consider alternative energy: The Sunshine State is one of those perfect locations for solar energy systems, and many solar power companies offer good financing deals. You could enjoy clean and free energy from the sun!

Homeowners Insurance Florida: Southern Oak Insurance and USAA Homeowners Insurance have partnered to provide the same quality coverage and service members have expected for decades.  Our goal is to protect your family as well as your bottom line and our blog provides information about Florida homeowners insurance as well as homeowner tips.  Follow us here.