With summer officially here, sweltering Florida temperatures can reach into the triple digits. Summer is also the time when Floridians' air conditioners run more often and longer to cool homes, a major factor than can drive up energy bills. FPL offers customers a few simple ideas to reduce energy costs in the summer months without compromising comfort.
FPL energy efficiency blogger Danielle Mousseau recommends the following tips, which can be implemented year-round and, collectively, can save customers $250 a year on their energy costs.
- Consider raising the temperature on your thermostat, even if only by one degree. For every one degree increase in temperature, you can save about 5 percent on your monthly cooling costs.
- Cut down on hot water usage by replacing old showerheads with water-efficient models. This swap could save up to $80 a year on energy costs.
- Try reducing the water heater temperature by 20 degrees. Lowering from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can save about $60 a year
- Be sure to turn off the fan when leaving a room. Stopping one ceiling fan from running all the time could save about $85 annually on energy costs.
- When using the washing machine, use cold water instead of hot. It could save about $40 a year.
- Upgrade to an Energy Star-rated computer and monitor. This energy saver can help save approximately $20 a year.
- Enroll in the FPL On Call Program. Save up to $137 a year by enrolling and, in return, participants agree to let FPL occasionally turn off pre-selected equipment, for short periods of time, only when absolutely necessary.
At www.FPL.com/toolkit, customers can view tools and information to help them understand, control and manage bills including top 10 energy-saving tips, an interactive house with energy-saving tips room by room and information on savings when purchasing a new air conditioner. Additionally, customers can get a personalized energy savings plan by completing an Online Home Energy Survey at www.FPL.com/ohes.
