When temperatures dip to frigid, wintry levels (at least by Florida’s standards), it’s difficult for many to resist the urge to turn up the heat. That’s why Floridians tend to use the most energy when it’s cold outside. While Progress Energy anticipates being able to produce and deliver the power to meet our customers' increased needs throughout this week’s cold spell, the company encourages customers to use energy wisely every day.
Think twice before adjusting the thermostat to ensure your energy bill won’t give you chills long after the cold front passes through.
Unsure where to start? Follow a few simple tips to generate substantial energy savings:
• Change your thermostat from 74 to 70degrees F in the winter and save $65. Better yet, set your thermostat at 68 to 70 F during the day and 60 to 65 F at night. Every degree under 70 F saves 10 percent on the heating portion of your electric bill.
• Use portable heaters sparingly. Running a 1,500-watt resistance heater 24/7 costs $149 a month.
• Test your air ducts for leaks. Seal any leaky ducts, and you could save up to a third on your heating and cooling costs. That could amount to an annual energy savings of up to $280. Progress Energy offers a rebate that covers half the cost of the test and helps with repairs, too.
• Check your water heater. Set it to 120F instead of 140F to save up to $85 a year without spending a dime! Want to keep additional energy savings from trickling away? Install low-flow shower heads to save water and electricity.
• If you only follow one energy-saving tip this winter, make it this one: Turn down your thermostat when you leave home for more than a few hours.
The best way to identify opportunities for energy savings in your home is to sign up for a free Home Energy Check. Through this service – which can be performed in person, online or over the phone – a Progress Energy Florida energy advisor will provide customized, energy-saving advice specific to your home and determine your eligibility for valuable company rebates toward energy-efficient home improvements.
After all, through Progress Energy Florida’s energy-efficiency programs, our customers have saved more than $1 billion in energy costs since 1981. That’s one savings statistic that can make almost anyone feel warm and fuzzy inside.
For more than 100 energy-saving tips or to sign up for a free Progress Energy Florida Home Energy Check, visit www.SaveTheWatts.com.
Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN), provides electricity and related services to more than 1.6 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL, and serves a territory encompassing more than 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. Progress Energy Florida is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting the future energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy-efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system. For more information about Progress Energy, visit www.progress-energy.com.
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This article appears in Jan 6-12, 2010.