Beat the Florida Summer Heat in Your NOVEL Parkway Apartment Home

Sanford, Florida, is a city where vibrant culture meets sunny days and scenic beauty. While summer brings endless opportunities for fun, from strolls along NOVEL Parkway’s lush walking trails to a refreshing dip in the resort-style saltwater pool, it also brings intense heat and humidity. Thankfully, your luxurious NOVEL Parkway apartment is designed to be the perfect retreat, combining modern features with thoughtful details to keep you comfortable even when the temperatures soar. With just a few simple strategies, you can transform your home into the ultimate cool oasis and keep your energy bills in check, even at the height of a Florida summer. What Summer Really Feels Like in Sanford Step outside your NOVEL Parkway front door in July and you’ll instantly feel the thick embrace of humid air. Temperatures regularly climb into the 90s, but once you factor in the humidity, it often feels like 100 degrees or more. The heat is intense and constant, wrapping around buildings and radiating from the pavement. Even indoors, your apartment has to battle heat sneaking in through windows and walls, not to mention the warmth from everyday activities like cooking or using appliances. Knowing how the heat affects your space is the first step to staying cool and comfortable all season long. Understanding the Heat Index and Your Energy Use The heat index tells you what the temperature actually feels like when humidity is added in. As the heat index rises, your air conditioner has to work overtime, pulling double duty to cool both the temperature and the heavy, moisture-filled air. Electricity rates in Sanford are fairly reasonable compared to the national average, but heavy AC usage can still drive-up monthly bills. In peak summer, the average energy bill can reach around $236 or more. A few smart habits can help you stay cool without sending your energy costs skyrocketing. Mastering Your Smart Thermostat Your NOVEL Parkway apartment comes equipped with a smart thermostat, and using it wisely is key to summer comfort.

● Set It Right: Aim for a setting around 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you're home. It may feel a little warmer at first, but your body quickly adjusts, and you’ll enjoy major savings.

● Program Wisely: When you’re out, bump the setting up to 82 or 85 degrees. Set it to cool down about half an hour before you usually return, so you step into comfort without wasting energy during the day.

● Be Patient: Cranking the AC to 68 degrees won’t cool your apartment faster. It only strains your system and uses more electricity.

● Change Filters Regularly: A clean air filter keeps the cool air flowing efficiently. Check it monthly and replace it as needed.

● Clear the Airflow: Keep vents clear of furniture or curtains so cool air can circulate freely throughout your space. Blocking Out the Sun’s Heat Windows can invite more heat into your home than you realize, but the right coverings make all the difference.

 ● Keep Them Closed: Close blinds or curtains during the sunniest parts of the day, especially on east- and west-facing windows.

● Go Thermal: Consider blackout or thermal-backed curtains for even better insulation against the heat.

● Window Film Options: Some window films block heat without blocking your view. Always check with NOVEL Parkway’s management before installing anything to keep everything community-approved. Fans and Airflow Tricks for Extra Coolness Fans don’t lower the temperature, but they do make it feel cooler by moving air across your skin.

● Set Fans Correctly: Make sure your ceiling fans spin counterclockwise during summer, creating a gentle, cooling breeze.

 ● Smart Placement: Use portable fans near areas where you spend the most time. Place one near a shaded window to pull in cooler air in the mornings or evenings, or set up fans on opposite sides of your apartment for cross-ventilation.

 ● Try a Mist Fan: Adding a small misting fan can boost comfort even more by cooling the air around you with a fine spray of water. Reducing Heat from Appliances and Lighting Many common household activities can add unwanted heat to your home. Small changes can make a big difference.

● Rethink Cooking: Skip the oven when you can. Microwaves, slow cookers, or outdoor grilling at NOVEL Parkway’s grilling stations are cooler options for meal prep.

● Time Your Chores: Run your dishwasher or laundry machines in the cooler hours of evening or early morning to avoid adding heat during the day.

● Unplug Devices: Electronics generate heat even when not in use. Unplug chargers and idle devices to keep things cooler.

● Switch to LED Bulbs: LEDs stay cool and use far less energy than traditional bulbs, reducing both heat and your electric bill. Stay Cool from the Inside Out What you eat and drink can affect how you feel in the heat.

● Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle handy at all times. Add fresh fruit like cucumber, lemon, or mint for a refreshing twist.

● Eat Water-Rich Foods: Snack on watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and other fruits and veggies high in water content.

 ● Lighten Up Your Meals: Stick to easy, no-cook dishes like salads, wraps, or chilled soups. If you’re looking for a local escape, NOVEL Café offers a great spot to enjoy a cool drink and a light meal. Downtown Sanford is full of refreshing dining options to explore too.

 ● Indulge in Frozen Treats: Homemade fruit popsicles or a bowl of sorbet can be the perfect antidote to a steamy Florida afternoon. NOVEL Parkway Features That Keep You Comfortable Living at NOVEL Parkway means you’re already steps ahead in the battle against the heat, thanks to thoughtful design and luxury amenities.

● Smart AC and Thermostats: Efficient cooling systems keep you comfortable without draining energy.

● Resort-Style Pool: Cool off with a swim or relax in a shaded cabana by the saltwater pool. driving directions embed:

● Chilled Community Spaces: Escape to the air-conditioned clubroom, tavern, or co-working spaces when you need a break from your apartment.

● Spacious, Breezy Layouts: Large balconies are perfect for catching evening breezes, and modern construction helps keep indoor temperatures stable.

● Walking Trails for Cooler Moments: Early morning or late evening walks along the community’s walking trails are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without battling midday heat. 

 Final Thoughts Sanford’s sunny summer days are part of its charm but knowing how to keep your NOVEL Parkway apartment cool makes them even better. With smart thermostat use, a few energy-saving tricks, and the incredible amenities right at your doorstep, you can enjoy all the beauty of a Florida summer while staying comfortably cool. Sip on that fruit-infused water, savor a refreshing meal, and make the most of everything NOVEL Parkway and Sanford have to offer.