Your FPL Bill Is Too High. Here Are 10 Ways to Fix It.
That Sinking Feeling
That moment when you open your FPL bill and your stomach drops? We get it. South Florida summers are brutal, and your air conditioner works overtime just to keep your home livable. But a sky-high electricity bill doesn’t have to be your reality every month.
Potential Annual Savings
By implementing all 10 tips below, the average South Florida home can save:
$600+
Per Year
$50+
Per Month
30%
Reduction
Interactive Thermostat Calculator
Move the slider to see how temperature affects your monthly costs:
78°F
$180
Estimated Monthly Cost
0%
Savings vs 72°F
$0
Annual Savings
10 Energy-Saving Tips for Florida Homes
Click the arrows or swipe to explore all money-saving tips
1
Master Your Thermostat (The 78-Degree Rule)
The best thermostat settings for summer might surprise you. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home. Every degree below that can increase cooling costs by 6 to 8 percent. Drop it to 72°F, and you’re looking at roughly 35 to 48 percent more on your bill.
If 78°F sounds uncomfortable, give it a few days. Your body adjusts faster than you’d think.
Save $240/year
2
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect that makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Running a fan allows you to set your thermostat higher while still feeling comfortable. Just remember that fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave.
Save $120/year
3
Block Out the Sun
South-facing and west-facing windows let in tremendous heat during summer afternoons. Closing blinds or shades during peak sun hours can lower indoor temperatures by several degrees. Blackout curtains are one of the cheap ways to save energy that pays off immediately.
Save $80/year
4
Change Your Air Filter
A clogged air filter forces your AC to work harder to push air through the system. During heavy-use months, check your filter every 30 days. A clean filter improves airflow and helps your system run more efficiently. Our HVAC maintenance services include filter checks as part of a complete tune-up.
Save $60/year
5
Hunt for Air Leaks
Gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets let cooled air escape. Walk through your home on a windy day and feel for drafts. Weatherstripping and caulk cost just a few dollars and can make a noticeable difference.
Save $100/year
6
Rethink Cooking & Laundry
Your oven generates significant heat when it runs. During summer, try grilling outdoors, using your microwave, or preparing cold meals. Run your dryer during cooler evening hours. These small shifts keep your AC from working overtime.
Save $50/year
7
FPL On Call Program
FPL offers an On Call program that gives you bill credits in exchange for allowing brief cycling of your AC during peak demand. The interruptions are minimal. It’s essentially free money for participation.
Save $80/year
8
Professional HVAC Tune-Up
A well-maintained AC runs more efficiently than a neglected one. Annual tune-ups catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. A technician will clean coils, check refrigeant levels, and inspect electrical components.
Save $150/year
9
Upgrade to Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically. They detect when no one is home and raise the temperature to save energy. Our team can install a smart thermostat that fits your needs.
Save $180/year
10
Check Your Insulation
Poor attic insulation allows heat to radiate into your living space. In Florida’s heat, this forces your AC to run constantly. Adding insulation is a bigger investment, but it can cut cooling costs significantly over time.
Save $200/year
Your Potential Savings Progress0%
$0
Click on tip cards above to add them to your savings plan
Cost vs. Impact Comparison
Tip
Implementation Cost
Annual Savings
ROI Timeline
Thermostat to 78°F
FREE
$240
Immediate
Use Ceiling Fans
FREE
$120
Immediate
Blackout Curtains
$50-150
$80
1-2 months
Change Air Filter
$15-30/mo
$60
Immediate
Seal Air Leaks
$20-50
$100
2-3 months
Smart Thermostat
$150-250
$180
10-14 months
HVAC Tune-Up
$80-150
$150
6-12 months
Attic Insulation
$1,000-3,000
$200
5-15 years
Why Your Settings Affect Indoor Humidity
South Florida’s humidity makes everything feel hotter than the thermostat suggests. When indoor humidity stays high, you’re tempted to crank the AC lower, driving up energy costs.
Running your system on “auto” rather than “on” helps remove moisture more effectively. If humidity problems persist, solutions like HVAC humidity control repair, dehumidifier installation, HVAC UV lights to combat mold, or air handler service can address the root cause and restore comfort without lowering the thermostat.
Energy Savings FAQs
Does turning the AC off when I leave save money?
For short absences, raising the temperature by 5 to 7 degrees saves more than turning it off. Your AC works harder to cool a hot house from scratch than to maintain a slightly higher temperature.
What is the most energy-efficient temperature at night?
Most people sleep comfortably between 75°F and 78°F with a fan running. Even a one-degree increase saves money over the course of a month.
Do blackout curtains really make a difference?
Yes. Blackout curtains can reduce heat gain through windows by up to 25 percent. They’re especially effective on windows that get direct afternoon sun.
Is it cheaper to run a fan than the AC?
Absolutely. A ceiling fan costs about one cent per hour to run, while an AC unit can cost 30 to 40 cents per hour. Fans make you feel cooler, which lets you raise the thermostat.
The Bottom Line on Lowering Your Bill
Figuring out how to lower your FPL bill takes a little effort, but the payoff shows up every month. Start with the free tips first. If your bills still seem unusually high, a professional AC system evaluation or energy efficiency inspection can uncover hidden issues like duct leaks, refrigerant problems, or an oversized unit.
