Otis Singleton
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) provides a range of tips and programs to help customers save money on their electricity bills. FPL customers can save money by reducing their electricity usage during peak hours, using energy-efficient appliances, and taking advantage of rebates and tax credits for certain purchases. FPL also offers tools to help customers monitor and manage their energy usage, such as the FPL Energy Manager. Additionally, FPL provides tips for conserving energy and lowering costs, such as setting the thermostat to a higher temperature and using power strips to reduce phantom energy usage. By combining these strategies, FPL customers can significantly reduce their electricity bills.
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What You'll Learn
Using energy-efficient appliances
First, look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing new electronics or appliances. These models meet stricter energy efficiency requirements and can use up to 50% less energy each year, offering significant savings on your electricity bill. Older appliances tend to be less energy efficient, so replacing them with newer, more efficient models can make a big difference. For example, an older showerhead may use more water, causing the water heater to run longer. By installing a low-flow showerhead, you can conserve water without sacrificing water pressure, and save money on your water heating costs.
Next, consider using smaller appliances instead of your oven whenever possible. For example, a microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer uses about one-third of the power of an oven broiler. Similarly, try to only run your washing machine and dryer with full loads. It takes the same amount of energy to wash and dry a single item as it does a full load, so doing multiple items at once will reduce the energy used per item. Also, try to use the cold water setting on your washing machine, and avoid using too much detergent, as this can make your washer work harder.
Another way to save energy is to manage your thermostat settings. During the summer, set your thermostat to 82°F when you're home, and 82°F or higher when you're away. Each degree above 75°F can save you 3-5% on your monthly cooling costs. In the winter, set your thermostat to 65°F or lower. Each degree below 68°F saves you 5% on heating costs. If you have an electric blanket or space heater, you can also try keeping your thermostat at a lower temperature and using these to stay warm in the rooms you're occupying. Just remember to turn them off before you leave the room.
Finally, your water heater is typically the second-largest energy user in your home. Lowering the temperature from 140°F to 120°F could save 3-5% on your energy costs. Additionally, you can save up to $100 per year by maintaining your pool's cleanliness, water clarity, and chemical levels, reducing your pool pump's runtime.
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Reducing energy usage during peak hours
The cost of electricity during peak hours is significantly higher than during off-peak hours. For example, during peak hours, the cost is about 26 cents per kilowatt-hour, while off-peak hours cost around 9 cents. Therefore, it is essential to shift electricity use away from peak hours to save money. Here are some ways to reduce energy usage during peak hours:
Heating and Cooling
- Set your thermostat to 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Every degree higher saves you 5% on cooling costs.
- In the winter, set your thermostat to 65 degrees or lower. Every degree lower saves you 5% on heating costs.
- Avoid raising your thermostat by more than two degrees at a time if you have an electric-based heating system to prevent activating auxiliary heat, which can add up to $15 per day in costs.
- Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room.
Appliances
- Use a microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, or other small appliance instead of the oven whenever possible, as they use about one-third of the power of an oven broiler.
- Look for ENERGY STAR-labeled electronics or appliances, which use 10-50% less energy annually.
- Unplug electronics and use timers for lamps if needed.
- Avoid using the dryer whenever possible. Instead, air-dry your clothes. If you must use the dryer, be sure to clean the lint filter before each load to improve drying efficiency.
Water Heater
- Turn off your water heater at the circuit breaker when not in use.
- Lower the temperature setting on your water heater. For example, lowering the temperature from 140° to 120° could save 3 to 5% on your energy costs.
Pool
- If you have a pool, maintain its cleanliness, water clarity, and chemical levels to reduce your pool pump's runtime and save energy.
- Set your pool pump to run for a limited time each day, such as six hours in the summer and four hours in the winter.
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Adjusting your thermostat
In the winter, set your thermostat to 68°F or lower. Each degree below 68°F saves you 5% on heating costs. If you have a central electric-based heating system, avoid raising your thermostat by more than two degrees at a time to prevent accidentally turning on auxiliary heat, which can add $15 to your daily energy bill.
You can also use electric blankets or space heaters to warm up smaller areas. Just remember to turn them off before you leave the room and keep children and pets at least three feet away.
Programmable thermostats are also a great way to save energy and control your home's temperature. You can set them to turn on or off at specific times, so you're only heating or cooling your home when necessary.
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Saving on water heating
Water heating can account for around 12% to 18% of a family's utility bill, second only to space heating and cooling. Here are some ways to reduce your water heating costs:
Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120°F (48.9°C). For every 10°F (5.5°C) reduction in temperature, you can save 3%–5% on your water heating costs. Most households find 120°F comfortable enough, and it also reduces scalding and slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your heater and pipes.
Install heat traps on your water heater tank. Heat traps can save you $15–$30 on your water heating bill. You may need a professional to help you install them, but some new storage water heaters include heat traps.
Insulate your hot water storage tank and the first few feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater. This will help to reduce heat loss and prevent the unit from turning on as frequently. Be careful not to cover the thermostat, or the water heater's top, bottom, thermostat, or burner compartment, depending on the type of water heater you have.
Install a timer that turns off your water heater at night or during your utility's peak demand times. This will help conserve energy and could extend the life of your water heater.
Use less hot water. Take short showers instead of baths, and try turning off the water while soaping up, shampooing, or shaving. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure. Repair leaky faucets promptly, as they can waste gallons of water in a short period.
Use cold water for laundry and the rinse cycle whenever possible. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
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Using FPL's energy-saving programs
FPL offers a range of energy-saving programs to help customers save money on their electricity bills. Here are some of the key programs and how they can benefit you:
FPL Energy Manager
The FPL Energy Manager is a free tool that helps you monitor, analyze, and simulate your energy usage. It provides access to various tools, such as the Energy Analyzer, Energy Dashboard, Appliance Calculators, and Simulator. These tools help you identify areas where you can reduce your energy consumption and lower your bill. By using the FPL Energy Manager, you can make informed decisions about your energy usage and implement changes to save money.
FPL Rebates and Tax Credits
FPL offers rebates and federal tax credits to encourage customers to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. For example, you can receive up to $2,150 when you purchase a new, energy-efficient air conditioning unit. Similarly, upgrading to proper insulation can save you up to $1,420 with the available rebates and tax credits. By taking advantage of these incentives, you can offset the cost of purchasing energy-efficient appliances and reduce your energy consumption in the long run.
Residential Time of Use Rate (TOU)
The TOU rate program is designed to help customers save money by using less energy during "peak" hours when electricity demand is high. By shifting your electricity usage to off-peak hours, you can take advantage of lower rates and reduce your overall energy costs. For example, charging an electric vehicle during off-peak hours can lead to significant savings. FPL also offers the FPL EVolution® Home program, which provides a new level 2 charger with unlimited off-peak night, weekend, and holiday charging at no upfront cost.
FPL eBill® and Automatic Bill Pay®
Combining FPL eBill® and Automatic Bill Pay® is another way to simplify your billing process and save money. By receiving your bills electronically and setting up automatic payments, you can stay on top of your finances and avoid late or missed payments. This streamlined approach to bill management can help you better manage your cash flow and ensure timely payments.
Solar Energy Benefits
FPL offers hassle-free solar energy benefits, even if you don't have rooftop panels. Whether you rent or own your home, you can take advantage of solar energy options and tap into one of Florida's largest EV charging networks. This program allows you to access reliable charging stations in both urban and rural areas, making it convenient to charge your electric vehicle using renewable energy sources.
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Frequently asked questions
FPL offers various ways to save money on electricity. You can use their free FPL Energy Manager to monitor and analyse your energy usage and identify areas where you can cut down. You can also take their Energy Survey to get personalized tips. Additionally, FPL offers rebates and federal tax credits for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, such as a new A/C unit or proper insulation.
Some general tips to reduce your electricity bill include:
- Set your thermostat to 82°F when you're away and 78°F or higher when you're home.
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120°F.
- Use power strips for electronics and turn them off at the strip when not in use to avoid "phantom energy" usage.
- Use a microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer instead of the oven where possible.
- Wash full loads of laundry with cold water and clean the lint filter in your dryer.
Your FPL electricity bill is determined by the amount of electricity you use and the rates approved by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). FPL offers a Time of Use Rate plan, where the cost per kilowatt-hour is lower during off-peak hours and higher during peak hours.
FPL offers various programs to help you save money on electricity, including:
- FPL EVolution® Home program: Provides unlimited off-peak charging for electric vehicles, including installation of a new level 2 charger at no upfront cost.
- Solar energy benefits: Access to solar energy without the need for rooftop panels, available for renters and homeowners.
- New home certification program: Helps you save energy and money by providing ways to conserve energy in your home.
