Cold Weather Tips to Save Energy
Extreme cold weather is rare in Florida and the heating systems in many Florida homes are inefficient and can cost a lot more to operate. In fact, strip or electric resistance-based heating requires two to three times more energy than air conditioning. Please use these tips as your guide to staying warm and keeping your bill low in the winter:
- Set your thermostat as low as comfortably possible
- For every one degree that you lower your thermostat during colder weather, you’ll save about 5 percent on your monthly heating costs.
- Keep your filters clean
- Clean or replace your air conditioner’s filter every month to trim your heating costs and help your unit run more efficiently.
- Reduce air leaks
- Seal doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Take advantage of the sun’s heat and light
- Keep your south-facing windows clean. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day and close all curtains at night.
- Take shorter showers and use an efficient showerhead
- People tend to take longer showers in colder weather, which increases water heating costs, so try to make it brief and remember to use a low-flow showerhead.
- Turn down the temperature on water heaters
- Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees, but at 115 to 120 degrees you’ll still have plenty of hot water.
- Provide good insulation
- Insulate hot water pipes and, if your water heater is more than seven years old, consider a “wrap” to insulate the tank.
- Add insulation to your attic
- Adding insulation to your home can reduce your heating and cooling costs. If your home qualifies, we can help with some of the costs.
- Swimming pools typically require less filtration in winter
- Reduce the time you run your pool pump by two hours a day and you could save $8.21 per month.
- Take an Online Home Energy Survey
- FPL's Online Home Energy Survey gives you a personalized savings plan filled with energy-saving tips and recommendations based on your unique patterns of energy consumption.
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