5 Ways to Lower Your Summer Energy Bills in Florida

1. Set Your Thermostat Strategically

Every degree below 78°F increases your cooling costs by about 3-4%. We recommend 78°F when you’re home and 82-85°F when you’re away. A programmable or smart thermostat automates this so you never come home to a hot house.

Don’t set it to 72°F thinking it’ll cool faster. It won’t. Your AC cools at the same rate regardless of the set point. All you’re doing is making it run longer.

2. Seal Your Home’s Envelope

Cool air escaping through gaps and cracks forces your AC to work overtime. Common leak points include:

• Gaps around doors and windows
• Unsealed penetrations where pipes and wires enter your home
• Attic access hatches without weatherstripping
• Recessed lighting fixtures that vent into the attic

A few dollars in weatherstripping and caulk can save hundreds over a Florida summer.

3. Manage Solar Heat Gain

The sun beating on your windows and roof is the single largest source of heat gain in most Florida homes. Close blinds on sun-facing windows during peak hours, and consider solar screens or window film for rooms that get direct afternoon sun.

If you’re due for a roof replacement, lighter-colored roofing materials can reduce attic temperatures by 20-30°F compared to dark shingles.

4. Maintain Your AC System

A dirty filter alone can increase energy consumption by 5-15%. Add in dirty coils, low refrigerant, or worn components, and a neglected system can use 20-30% more electricity than a well-maintained one.

Schedule your annual tune-up before summer arrives, and change your filter every 30-60 days during peak cooling season.

5. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

Ceiling fans don’t cool rooms. They cool people through wind chill effect. Running fans allows you to set your thermostat 3-4°F higher without any change in comfort, saving 8-12% on cooling costs.

But turn them off when you leave the room. A fan running in an empty room is just wasting electricity.