As we all know, when things heat up in Miami during the summer, so does our energy bill. But, chilling out at home during summer months no longer has to mean increased energy, or prevent you from taking a well-needed summer vacation!
Today, I am sharing 6 easy ways to save money on your energy bill by using electricity more efficiently, a chance to win a $10,000 smart home makeover, as well as information on Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Innovative Cooling Station and Sun Spot Interactive Exhibit you can check out at The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science on Saturday, Sept. 8 or Sunday, Sept. 9
Whether you live in an apartment, condo building or in a single-family home, here are some of FPL’s top tips to help you save energy and lower your bill:
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Shade your windows.
Blinds and curtains are great for keeping your home cool during hot months. Personally, I use blinds in my condo and keep most of them closed when I am out during the day. If you have blinds or shades, keep them closed during the day to reduce how much sunlight heats your home. Adding curtains can be an inexpensive way to update your décor and keep your space cooler without lowering your A/C.
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Change Your Light Bulbs to LEDs.
The next time you (or your landlord) need to replace a light bulb, consider buying LEDs. They use 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer. Replacing old incandescent bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs can save you about $70 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. LED lights also produce less heat, which means a cooler and safer space!
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Use Ceiling or Portable Fans
When you leave a room, turn off the fan to save about $7 a month on your bill.
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Consolidate devices using power strips
Certain items in your home like your TV, computer, cable box, or game console use energy even when switched off. Plug them into a power strip and turn off the entire power strip when not in use, to prevent these “energy phantoms” from increasing your bill.
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Change Your Air Filters
You should be changing your air filters once a month. Dirty air filters cause your A/C to work harder to keep your home cool, which can mean a higher energy bill. Not to mention an increase in allergies if your air filter is not cleaned regularly!
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Use the FPL Mobile App
Lastly, use the FPL Mobile App to monitor your energy use. With the projected bill feature, you can view what your bill will be so you can make changes, if needed, to lower it before it arrives. Get it by texting “APP” to MyFPL (69375).
Win a $10,000 Smart Home Energy Makeover & Save Money!
Replacing older appliances and electronics with new energy efficient ones can help you save money. Take the Online Home Energy Survey to learn more ways to save and get a chance to win a $10,000 Smart Home Energy Makeover.
For more tips to #BeatTheHeat and lower your energy bill, visit: FPL.com/BeatTheHeat
Beat The Heat This Summer with FPL’s Innovative Cooling Station at The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Sept. 8 and Sept. 9
You’re also invited to cool off and beat the summer heat at FPL’s Cooling Station at the Museum Plaza of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park. It’s the perfect location to cool down during some of the city’s hottest events including: Free Second Saturdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and DWNTWN Art Days.
Come “chill” with me and experience FPL’s larger-than-life ice cube that refreshes with music and a blast of liquid nitrogen, cooling guests 15-20 degrees, along with a fun video of your experience as a momento!
While you’re there, you can also check out FPL’s Sun Spot exhibit, a brand-new permanent fixture at the Frost Museum of Science on the sixth-floor terrace. At the exhibit, you can experience the power of the sun as a renewable source of energy through several interactive solar-powered activities.
It definitely sounds like it will be a blast (pun intended), and a cool way (another one) to have fun with your friends, significant other, or your family.
See you there?
This post was done in collaboration with FPL.
For more tips to #BeatTheHeat and lower your energy bill, visit: FPL.com/BeatTheHeat
