It’s 2024 – do you know where your energy is being wasted?
For the new year, we asked the energy experts at Tampa Electric for their biggest and best money-saving tips. Here’s what they said:
1. Adjust your day-to-day behaviors
Saving energy can be as simple as turning off lights and appliances not being used. For more savings, turn down your thermostat in the winter (68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower) and up in the summer (78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).
2. Replace your light bulbs
Incandescent bulbs consume more electricity and must be replaced more often than their energy-efficient alternatives. LEDs use anywhere from 25% to 80% less electricity and last 3 to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Visit our lighting calculator to learn more.
3. Plug into power strips
“Phantom loads,” or the electricity used by electronics when they are turned off or in standby mode contribute to energy waste. Multiple appliances and electronics can add up to $200 in energy costs per year. Our experts recommend using power strips to turn power plugs off. Visit our phantom loads calculator to learn more.
4. Install a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat can be set to automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during the times when you are asleep or away. On average, a smart thermostat can save you $180 per year. TECO rebate alert – earn a $50 rebate when you purchase and install an ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat.
5. Use energy efficient appliances
On average, appliances are responsible for roughly 13% of total household energy use. When purchasing an appliance, look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label. Visit our appliance calculator to learn more.
6. Reduce water heating expenses
Water heating is a major contributor to your total energy consumption. Save by using less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater or insulate your water heater. Visit our water heater calculator to learn more.
7. Install energy efficient windows
Inefficient windows can add 10 to 25 percent to your heating & cooling costs. If new windows are not an option, a lower-cost solution is to add window film to west and south-facing windows. TECO rebate alert – earn a rebate when you purchase and install energy-efficient windows.
8. Upgrade to an energy-efficient heat pump
Replace your heating & cooling system with a highly efficient heat pump and save approximately 40% annually on heating and cooling costs. TECO rebate alert – earn a rebate when you purchase and install an energy-efficient heating & cooling system.
9. Weatherize your home
Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is a great way to reduce your heating and cooling expenses. TECO program alert – see if you qualify for our Neighborhood Weatherization program that offers free duct seal, ceiling insulation and an energy-saving kit.
10. Insulate your home
Save about 15% annually on heating & cooling costs when you add the appropriate levels of ceiling insulation. Earn a rebate when you install ceiling insulation. A pre-approval inspection is required. TECO rebate alert – earn a rebate when you install ceiling insulation. A pre-approval inspection is required.
To save even more, complete our free Online Energy Audit that lets you set up helpful alerts, monitor usage, tap into informative videos and more.
