With warmer weather arriving across Florida, many households will soon be cranking up their air conditioning to stay comfortable. Heating and cooling can account for up to half of a home’s energy use, making it one of the biggest drivers of seasonal energy consumption.

While seasonal shifts often bring higher energy use, there are simple, proactive steps customers can take to better manage their usage and keep their bills as low as possible all season long.

Small changes, like adjusting thermostat settings by a few degrees, regularly replacing air filters and sealing air leaks around windows and doors, can help improve efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

How do I track my home’s energy usage?

Understanding how your home uses energy is one of the most effective ways to start saving. Many utilities offer tools that provide a clearer picture of when, where and how energy is being used throughout the home. 
By tracking usage patterns over time and identifying which appliances or habits drive the most consumption, households can make more informed decisions that lead to meaningful savings. Even small adjustments, like changing thermostat settings or reducing usage during peak times, can add up over the course of a season.

Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Energy Manager offers customers personalized insights into their energy use and tips to help improve efficiency.

What programs can help lower my electric bill?

In addition to monitoring usage, customers can take advantage of programs designed to reward energy efficiency and manage demand during peak periods.

These programs may provide bill credits in exchange for allowing brief, temporary adjustments to certain appliances, such as HVAC systems, during periods of high electricity demand. These adjustments are typically limited in duration and occur only when necessary to maintain system reliability.

FPL’s On Call® program offers customers monthly bill credits while helping reduce strain on the energy grid. Customers enrolled in the program can receive bill credits of up to $90 per year, even if it is rarely activated, making it an easy way to lower costs without changing day-to-day routines.

Should I replace my air conditioner to save energy?

Upgrading to a new energy-efficient HVAC system is another impactful way to reduce long-term energy expenses.

Air conditioning systems account for a significant portion of household energy use across Florida, especially during warmer months. Older units, particularly those more than 10 years old or requiring frequent repairs, tend to operate less efficiently and use more energy to maintain comfort.

Programs like FPL’s A/C Rebate can help offset the upfront cost of installing a qualifying high-efficiency system through an approved contractor. Newer units not only cool homes more effectively but can also help reduce overall energy consumption over time.

Does insulation really help lower energy bills?

Beyond cooling systems, improving a home’s insulation can also play a role in managing energy use.

Proper ceiling insulation helps keep cool air inside during the summer, reducing strain on air conditioning systems and improving comfort year-round. It can also help lower overall energy usage by reducing how hard cooling systems need to work.

In some cases, rebate programs are available to help offset the cost of insulation upgrades. FPL, for example, offers incentives for qualifying improvements. In many homes, proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent annually.

As energy needs increase with the changing seasons, having access to the right information, tools and resources can make a meaningful difference. By making small, intentional changes and taking advantage of available programs, Florida households can stay comfortable while keeping their energy use under control.