Florida Power & Light Company Shares Tips to Lower Bills During Florida’s Hottest Months

FPL is helping customers stay comfortable while managing energy use during peak summer heat

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Florida summers don’t ease in gradually – they arrive with full force, and this year is shaping up to be no exception.

With the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasting above-average temperatures across the state, the heat Floridians are already feeling is only expected to continue in the months ahead. That means air conditioners are working overtime to keep their homes comfortable and cool all summer long. 

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is helping customers manage their energy costs with practical tips, tools and resources. As temperatures climb, FPL is committed to supporting customers every step of the way with guidance to help them stay safe, keep cool and keep their energy costs as low as possible.

“We’re committed to providing practical energy-saving tips and resources that can help households reduce energy use and keep their homes cool all summer long,” said Bianca Soriano, FPL Energy Expert. “We know every dollar counts and we want to help customers keep their bills as low as possible.”

How can FPL customers lower their cooling costs? 

•   Summer cooling costs can account for up to 60% of your energy bill. When you’re home, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, ideally between 75 and 78 degrees, and up to 82 degrees when you’re away. Every degree you raise your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees can reduce monthly cooling costs by 3-5%. 

•   Ceiling fans can make you feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler while using far less energy than air conditioning, allowing you to stay comfortable without lowering the thermostat. Set the fan to spin counterclockwise in the summer and turn it off when you leave the room since fans cool people, not spaces. 

•   Nearly 30% of unwanted heat enters through your windows, making your air conditioner work harder. Check for drafts and seal gaps with caulk or weather stripping to keep cool air inside, and close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to block heat from entering. 

•   Schedule regular maintenance and annual inspections for your cooling systems to help them run efficiently and identify small issues before they become costly repairs. A well-maintained system uses less energy, lasts longer and keeps your home more comfortable. 

How can using appliances more efficiently help lower your summer energy bill?

•   Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. You’ll still have plenty of hot water while reducing water heating costs by 3-5% and using less energy. 

•   Use a small appliance, like an air fryer, microwave or toaster oven, whenever possible. These appliances use about one-third of the energy of an oven broiler and produce less heat, helping keep your kitchen cooler. 

•   Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. Heating water accounts for most of the energy used during a wash cycle, so switching to cold water can save an average-sized household up to $160 per year. 

•   Reduce heat production by avoiding the oven during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt for grilling, microwaving or stovetop cooking to help keep your home cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning. 

•   Have a pool? Choose the right pool pump for your needs and run it about six hours a day during the summer. Running your pump only as long as needed helps keep the water clean while avoiding unnecessary energy use.

What resources are available to help FPL customers remotely track their energy use and lower costs?

•   FPL’s Energy Manager tool can help Floridians identify unusual energy usage trends and provide peace of mind. FPL customers can use the Energy Manager to track energy usage in real time, identify irregular consumption patterns and better understand how energy is used in the home.

•   FPL’s A/C and Insulation Rebates can help offset the upfront cost of qualifying energy-efficient home upgrades through approved contractors. Replacing an older A/C unit can improve cooling performance while reducing energy use, and adding proper insulation helps keep cool air inside, reducing strain on the system and lowering heating and cooling costs by up to 15% annually.

•   FPL’s On Call® program offers customers monthly bill credits while helping reduce strain on the energy grid. Customers enrolled in the program can receive bill credits of up to $90 per year, even if it is rarely activated, making it an easy way to lower costs without changing day-to-day routines.  

For more energy savings tips and tools, visit FPL.com/WaysToSave .

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