FPL helps you Reduce your Energy use this Winter
As December 21, the official first day of winter, approaches, Florida is preparing for what could be a colder-than-usual season. After last winter’s unpredictable temperatures—and even rare snowfall in parts of the state—many residents are paying closer attention to how cooler weather can impact home energy use and monthly utility bills.
According to Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), heating a home can use two to three times more energy than cooling, making winter a critical time to focus on efficiency. To help customers stay comfortable without experiencing unexpected increases in their bills, FPL is sharing practical energy-saving tips, along with digital tools and programs designed to support smarter energy use throughout the season.
One of the most effective steps homeowners can take is adjusting the thermostat. FPL recommends setting it to 68 degrees or lower, noting that each degree below 68 can reduce heating costs by about 5%. Customers are also encouraged to avoid increasing the temperature by more than two degrees at a time, as sudden changes can trigger auxiliary heating systems, which may add as much as $15 per day when used for extended periods.
Other simple strategies include using electric blankets or space heaters to warm specific areas rather than heating the entire home. FPL advises turning these devices off when leaving the room and keeping them at least three feet away from children and pets. Reversing ceiling fans to push warm air downward can also improve comfort and save up to $7 per month, as long as fans are turned off when rooms are unoccupied.Sealing doors and windows to prevent warm air from escaping is another easy and cost-effective way to maintain a stable indoor temperature. FPL also recommends installing reusable furnace filter whistles, which alert homeowners when filters are about 50% full and ready to be replaced, helping heating systems run more efficiently.
In addition to everyday tips, FPL continues to expand its digital savings resources. On January 5, the company will launch the winter edition of its interactive House of Savings experience. The virtual tour challenges participants to identify energy-saving opportunities throughout a home by interacting with appliances and systems such as thermostats and refrigerators. Those who perform best may become eligible to win energy-efficient prize boxes, which include items like air fryers, electric kettles, draft stoppers, outdoor timers, LED lights, and space heaters.
For more tips, programs, rebates, and savings tools, customers can visit FPL.com/WaystoSave, where resources like Energy Manager help track and manage energy use year-round.
As winter settles in, FPL’s message remains clear: with a few smart adjustments and the right tools, Floridians can stay warm, use energy responsibly, and keep utility costs under control throughout the season.
