Can you lower your FPL bill this summer? How to set your AC and other tips

Summer is starting. That means the annual season of higher electricity bills is upon us.
Is there any way to avoid that?
Overall trends aren't helping. Last year was the fifth-warmest year in Florida history, going back to 1895, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. This summer, AccuWeather estimates one to two degrees above average temperatures. Those of us who stay in town the next three months will get to know our air conditioners.
But don't sweat. You can do several things to save money on your bills.
Cooling costs can make up to 60% of your energy bill. The Miami Herald spoke to people at Florida Power & Light to get some tips on how to lower those expenses.
Air conditioner/thermostat
First, make sure your air conditioner has had maintenance. 'It's super essential,' said Bianca Soriano, FPL communications manager. Then, what do you with it?
▪ When at home, set your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees.
▪ When away on a trip, keep your AC on and set the thermostat at up to 82 degrees. 'Every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 3%-5% overall on monthly cooling costs,' Soriano said.
▪ If you're taking off for a few days, set your thermostat to 80 degrees.
▪ If you're going away for more than one week, set it to 82 degrees.
▪ If you won't be back for months, set it between 78 degrees and 82 degrees. Also, consider using a dehumidifier or smart thermostat for remote adjustments. 'Don't shut off the unit because it'll be a lot of work to cool down your house when you get back,' FPL's Soriano said.
AC maintenance
▪ Replace or clean your air filter to allow proper airflow and avoid extra strain.
▪ Clear leaves, dirt and debris around the outdoor unit to improve efficiency.
▪ Inspect refrigerant lines and ductwork for leaks that could cause cooling inefficiencies.
▪ Check the drain line to prevent clogs that could lead to water damage or mold growth.
▪ Schedule an AC tune-up before a long trip.
Ceiling fans
Reducing costs is not all about the AC and thermostat. Other tools can help.
▪ Ceiling fans can make you feel three degrees to four degrees cooler while using less energy than air conditioning.
▪ Set the fan to spin counterclockwise in the summer.
▪ Turn it off when you leave the room and that can save up to $84 per fan a year
Windows
▪ Nearly 30% of unwanted heat enters through your windows.
▪ Check for drafts and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
▪ Close your blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day.
Kitchen/Laundry
▪ Use smaller appliances — like an air fryer instead of your oven — to consume less energy and avoid raising the temperature in your home.
▪ Use cold water when washing clothes instead of hot water, and that can save up to $160 a year for a family of four.
Summer Discount Program
FPL has some initiatives and online tools to help you this summer.
▪ You can offer to shut off your devices for a few minutes at time of high demand. It's on-call. You can save up to $90 per year, said FPL's Soriano.
Budget billing
▪ Pay the same amount every month based on the past 12 months
Online tools
FPL's website has a way for you to see how much energy you use each day and ways to save throughout your house.
https://www.fpl.com/landing/energy-manager.html
It also has an interactive game called House of Savings
https://www.fpl.com/landing/house-of-savings.html

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