Spring has sprung: March 19 is the first day of spring, but Florida residents are already embracing the warmth of a new season. It's a chance to kick off a whole season of savings.
Here are some simple energy-saving tips to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home as warmer temperatures arrive:
- Service your air conditioner. Replacing or cleaning air filters can lower your cooling system’s energy use by up to 15 percent. Also, clean your air conditioner’s evaporator coil every year to ensure the system is performing at optimal levels. Upgrading to a high-efficiency system? Check out our heating and cooling rebate.
- Install a programmable thermostat. When cooling, every degree below 78 will increase the air conditioning portion of your electric bill by about 7 percent. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when your family is away. Tampa Electric offers a smart thermostat rebate.
- Open windows. Opening windows creates a cross-breeze, allowing for natural cooling without switching on air conditioners.
- Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms. Ceiling fans help you feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat a few degrees. This can help lower your electricity bills without sacrificing comfort.
- Cook outside. On warmer days, keep the heat outside by using an outdoor grill instead of indoor ovens.
- Install window treatments. Energy-efficient window treatments or coverings such as blinds, shades and films can slash heat gain when temperatures rise. They not only improve the look of your home but also reduce energy costs.
- Caulk air leaks. Using caulk to seal cracks and openings in your home keeps warm air out -- and cash in your wallet.
- Reduce energy for water heating. Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees and install low-flow showerheads to reduce water heating bills.
- Seal ducts. Air loss through ducts can be nearly 20 percent of a cooling system’s energy use. Sealing and insulating ducts can help lower your electricity bills. Our ductwork program is a cost-effective way to get this done.
- Complete a Tampa Electric Energy Audit. Complete an online energy audit or schedule an in-home energy audit. Both energy audits are free and will help you pinpoint areas to save energy and money.
Tampa Electric offers more energy-saving programs than any other utility in the state. Visit TampaElectric.com/Save to learn more and participate.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves more than 840,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
