Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and prepare to tackle the rest of the year. But it’s also the perfect time to brush up on your energy game, especially as we dive into the warmer Florida months (yes, we shudder at the thought, too).
While you go through your home and yard, consider implementing some changes that can help cut costs on your energy bill all year long. But where to start? FPL has plenty of programs to help you save along the way, so stick with the Watt’s Team and your bill can end up looking as refreshed as the rest of your home.
1. Claim Our $150 A/C Rebate
First, find out if you qualify for FPL’s A/C rebate program for $150 toward a new unit.
You should consider a new, more energy-efficient A/C if your current system is more than 10 years old, needs frequent repairs, and runs longer to keep your home cool. A new A/C unit will not only make your nights in bed a lot less sweaty but can also help you save money on your energy bill year after year.
For savings up to $2,000, you may apply for a tax credit administered by the IRS. Learn more about how a new A/C unit and other residential renewable energy products can qualify for these federal tax credits.
Now that’s one way to get a fresh start!
If your A/C is in pretty good shape, let’s keep it there with the following spring cleaning tips:
- Wipe down your A/C vent cover and changing the filter within the time frame recommended for your model. We recommend changing the filter about once a month.
- Inspect the ceiling around your A/C vents for dirt, an indication of duct leaks (contact an A/C contractor to perform a duct test to confirm if that’s the case).
- Raise your thermostat. It’s hotter in the summer, so your A/C runs longer to keep you cool. For every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save 5% on your monthly cooling costs.
2. Insulate Yourself Against High Spending with a $220 Rebate
Proper insulation helps keep unwanted heat out and cool air in, reduces the workload of your A/C system, and can result in additional savings on your energy bill.
Chances are your home may not have enough insulation. If so, no worries. FPL’s ceiling insulation rebate offers up to $220. You can also claim 30% of the insulation cost, up to $1,200, by applying for a tax credit administered by the IRS. Learn more about how ceiling insulation and other residential renewable energy products can qualify for these federal tax credits.
This spring, do a quick check around your house for these signs that indicate a lack of insulation:
- Fluctuating temperatures: You know that one room that is never quite as cool and comfortable as the rest? Sometimes insulation can shift and allow excess heat into your home!
- Cold walls, floors and ceilings: During those occasional Florida cold fronts, conduct a touch test to see whether your house is keeping the cold out.
- Water damage: Flooding or any other type of water damage can lead to wet insulation, and possibly mold and mildew down the line. When insulation gets wet, there’s no salvaging it, and you should replace it right away.
- Pests in home: Animals can eat insulation or cause it to shift, such as an infestation of bats, mice, opossums, or squirrels.
Sound like your home? FPL’s Energy Experts can help guide you on what type of insulation you may need when you schedule a free Home Energy Analysis, and help you collect that rebate.
3. Manage Your Energy All Year Long
Whether you live in a small home, apartment, or large multi-story residence, spring into energy savings with the FPL Energy Manager. This free online tool can help you declutter your usage and fill up your wallet by monitoring, analyzing, simulating, and calculating your energy bill, giving you full control of your spending all year long.
With just a little information from you, the Energy Manager’s suite of options will show you the what, where and why of your home’s energy use giving you the power to save. These include:
- Energy Dashboard
- Energy Analyzer
- Energy Survey
- Energy Simulator
Whether it’s your home office, master bedroom, guest bathroom, kitchen, or living room, every part of your home could use some love this spring. As you take the time to clear out your closet and dust those shadowy corners, keep a lookout for opportunities to implement these tips and save on costs – then enjoy as your wallet blooms like the flowers outside your properly insulated home!