How To Live More Comfortably When You Live on an “Urban Heat Island” like Miami

What is an Urban Heat Island?

Ever heard of an “Urban Heat Island” (UHI)? This refers to a man-made weather phenomenon that takes place in cities and other urban areas when they become hotter than their surrounding rural regions. UHI occurs when a concentration of roads, buildings and other metropolitan infrastructure absorbs and retains heat, thus increasing the temperature of the air. With less vegetation and more concrete and asphalt, the temps climb higher. That’s not to mention other causes of heat, like exhaust being expelled from cars and factories. Looking for a refreshing breeze to help cool off? That can be a bit more difficult with so many tall buildings in the way. Those dwelling in these more concentrated regions might find that they require more air conditioning. The result: increased energy consumption, as well as more pollutants and greenhouse gas being released.

The Impact of Urban Heat Islands

For those living in populous areas of South Florida, this might just seem like part of everyday life. These increased temperatures can also be felt in cities like Tokyo, New York, and London. According to the non-profit research group Climate Central (and as reported in the Miami Herald), Miami is one of the hottest UHIs in the country. This same report states that the Miami area experiences the third-worst UHI effect out of the 44 biggest U.S. cities. The only places that trap more heat than Miami are New York City and San Francisco.

Cooling Down Your Home

While all of this might seem insurmountable, there are things you can do to help make your home more comfortable—particularly if cranking up the air conditioning is a little too hard on your wallet. One option is to find ways to keep the sun out as much as possible. This can be achieved by using blackout curtains or installing double-paned glass. For many residents of South Florida, they might already have double-paned glass, as it can be hurricane-proof and is sometimes required by law. Some of these windows also have a built-in UV light blocker. If not, there are films that you can place on your window to help better deflect heat. You should also keep most of your inside doors open to better circulate the cool air. It might also be a good idea to do more of your cooking outside on the outdoor grill instead of in your kitchen oven. Be sure to do your laundry and run the dishwasher at night as all of these appliances tend to pump heat into the house.

Optimize Your HVAC System

Lastly, one important way to improve your situation is by having your HVAC system serviced. Clean air ducts and fresh air filters will ensure that your system is running smoothly—and better yet, will keep the damage to your utility bill to a minimum. By scheduling an appointment with Filterbuy, you can have your system inspected and serviced by one of our trained experts, who will make sure that your air conditioning is running its best and keeping you your most comfortable. Make an appointment today with our local South Florida office.