Ask the Energy Expert

Is your home ready for the summer heat? Learn which simple changes you can make this spring to help boost comfort while making smart energy choices.

With warmer days on the way, many people ask me if there’s anything they can do now to keep their energy bills in check once the heat arrives. The answer is yes, and it’s easier than you might think.

Spring is one of the best times to make a few simple updates around your home that can take pressure off your A/C and help you manage your energy use before summer really kicks in. Think of it as a quick seasonal tuneup that sets you up for a more comfortable and efficient summer.

Seal up sneaky air leaks

Winter weather can cause materials to contract, creating small gaps around doors and windows. A quick pass with caulk or weather stripping keeps cool air inside and helps your A/C run less. If your insulation is old, it could be costing you. Proper insulation can cut cooling and heating costs by up to 15%. FPL offers instant rebates on new installation when you work with a Participating Independent Contractor

Freshen up your fridge

Pull the fridge away from the wall and dust off the coils. Clean coils help the fridge cool faster and use less energy — an easy spring win.

Tweak your water heater settings

Set it to 120°F to save a little each month without sacrificing hot showers. While you’re at it, consider swapping in a water-saving showerhead for even more savings. Let your appliances earn you monthly bill credits. With FPL On Call^®, enroll appliances like your A/C system and water heater to get credits on your bill each month. The more you enroll, the more you earn.

Brighten up with LEDs

Still have old bulbs? Replace just a handful of LEDs and cut lighting costs. LED bulbs use 80% less energy than incandescent and last longer.

Give your A/C some attention

If your system is more than 10 years old, it may be using extra energy to keep up. Spring is a smart time to look into high-efficiency upgrades or add a smart thermostat for easier cooling control. A high efficiency A/C can save you $6,000 or more over its lifetime. Save $200 off a new A/C system with our instant rebate when you work with one of our participating contractors.

Unplug energy phantoms

Chargers, gaming consoles and cable boxes continue using energy even when you’re not using them. Use power strips or unplug when you can cut down on standby use.

FPL programs to help you save

Want a clearer picture of where your energy is going? FPL’s free Energy Manager tool helps you track usage, spot patterns, and gives tips for easy adjustments that fit your lifestyle and your budget.

Get more consistent monthly bills by distributing payments evenly throughout the year, thereby minimizing seasonal fluctuations with FPL Budget Billing. While not a savings plan, it serves as a valuable budgeting tool, so you know what to expect from your bill each month