If there is one thing us Floridians love in the summer, it’s our A/C to help us keep cool. But A/C units are also the main culprit in driving your energy bill up. As the unrelenting heat barrels down on us, focusing on energy efficiency is more important than ever in saving money. That's because even if you don’t change the temperature on your A/C unit, it has to work even harder than normal to cool down your home because of the summer heat.

Check out these easy tips to ensure your home is energy efficient, so you can save money any time of year and manage your bill all summer long.

1. Clean or replace your filters every one to two months. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce your A/C unit’s efficiency.
2. The air vents are another important piece of your A/C system. If you see dust or debris in your air vents, give them a quick pass with your vacuum or duster!
3. Always try to beat the heat! Air conditioners with proper shading can run more efficiently.
4. Your thermostat can sense heat, causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. So never place lamps, TVs or other heat-producing appliances near it!
5. You also may find your old A/C unit is no longer efficient, especially if it’s a decade old. Take advantage of FPL’s $150 rebate toward the purchase of a new, qualifying unit. Learn more and see if you qualify.
6. Remember that each degree you raise your thermostat equals more savings… up to 5% on your monthly cooling costs!
7. Activate the FPL Energy Manager, a free tool to monitor and manage your energy use, complete with customized savings tips, to keep your bill low.

We are always here to help you find ways to save energy and money. Just visit FPL.com/EnergyManager for even more tips to help you conserve energy, trim costs, and gain control over usage in your home.