FPL tips for reducing energy expenses in nippy weather

Posted by:
Author Patti Roth

For reducing energy use in your South Florida residence, Florida Power & Light offers free online resources.

Using less electricity when the weather is frosty or hot outdoors helps save money on utilities fees.

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Every degree below 68 saves you 5% on heating costs
Avoid raising your thermostat by more than two degrees at a time if you have a central electric-based heating system to prevent accidentally turning on auxiliary heat. Using auxiliary heat for more than 12 hours a day can add up to $15 per day on your energy bill
Use electric blankets or space heaters to keep you warm in small areas. Always turn it off before you leave the room and remember to keep children and pets at least three feet away. Using a space heater costs approximately $3 per day
Reverse the setting on your ceiling fan to push warmer air down to the floor level, maximizing heat circulation
Electric blankets are a great way to stay warm at night without heating your entire home
Use natural sunlight by opening drapes on sunny days to let in warmth; close them at night to retain heat
Seal your home to keep cold air out by closing garage doors and sealing attic or foundation vents (open these in warm weather)
Clear airways to ensure heating outlets and return air registers are unobstructed by furniture or drapes

The information is from FPL online.

Air-conditioning rebate of $200 for energy efficient units and following the program requirements

Ceiling insulation rebate of $220 for eligible projects

Turn off your overhead fan when you leave a room for potential savings of up to $85 per year, per fan.
Ensure a tight seal is around your refrigerator door.
Limit pool pump use to six hours a day or fewer in summer and four hours or fewer in winter. A variable-speed pool pump saves about
$300 a year. Consider an energy efficient pool heater or a pool blanket.
Reduce temperature on your water heater. Lowering by 10 degrees potentially saves 3 percent to 5 percent on water heating expenses
Raise your thermostat to 78 degrees in summer. You'll save 5 percent on cooling costs for each degree upward
Replace old worn-out cookware. Flat-bottomed cookware offers better contact with heating
elements, and likely requires less energy.

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