FMEA shares hot-weather energy savings tips for Florida households

The Florida Municipal Electric Association is urging Floridians to cut electricity use as record heat drives up air conditioning demand and household bills. The guidance focuses on simple changes to cooling, water heating, appliances and electronics that can reduce energy use and ease pressure on the grid.

Why it matters: - Florida’s record high temperatures are pushing up household electricity use as air conditioners run longer and appliances work harder. - FMEA says conservation can help lower bills, reduce strain on the electric grid and support reliable service. - Florida public power utilities say their average monthly bills are typically about $20 to $30 lower than those of investor-owned utilities.

What happened: - The Florida Municipal Electric Association released hot-weather energy-saving tips for Florida residents as summer heat continues into the fall. - Amy Zubaly, FMEA executive director, said higher temperatures often lead to increased electricity demand. - Zubaly said smart energy choices can help customers lower bills and conserve energy.

The details: - Air conditioning can account for about 50% of a home’s energy use during the hottest months. - FMEA recommends setting the thermostat higher when away and lower when returning. - A programmable thermostat can adjust temperatures automatically without reducing comfort. - An energy-efficient dehumidifier can help reduce indoor humidity in Florida’s hot, humid climate. - Ceiling fans can improve airflow and make a room feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler. - Closing windows, blinds or curtains during peak sun hours can reduce heat gain. FMEA says those hours are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - A standard tank water heater typically runs 3 to 5 hours a day and is usually the second-largest energy expense in a home. - Lowering a water heater setting from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can reduce costs while maintaining comfort. - Adding an insulating blanket to a water heater can improve efficiency. - A water heater timer can reduce the time the tank heats water. - Major appliances account for about 13% to 25% of a typical home’s electricity use. - Refrigerator temperatures should be kept between 37 and 40 degrees, and freezer temperatures should be kept at 0 degrees. - Running dishwashers and washing machines in the early morning or late evening can reduce indoor heat and humidity and ease the load on air conditioning. - Microwaves use up to 80% less energy than conventional ovens and generate less heat. - Grilling outside is another option instead of using the oven on hot days. - During vacations, consumers should turn off and unplug appliances they do not need, set the water heater to its lowest setting and shut off water supply to the dishwasher and washing machine. - Energy for electronic devices costs an average of $191 per U.S. household each year. - Unplugging phone chargers after use can prevent standby power draw. - Lowering brightness on TVs, computer monitors and tablets can reduce power consumption. - Some computer games keep a computer from sleeping even when paused, so shutting down after playing can save energy. - Streaming media on a gaming console uses 15 times more energy than streaming devices. - Florida public power utilities say they invest millions each year in infrastructure such as substation modernization, equipment upgrades and smart-grid technology. - Those upgrades are intended to improve system efficiency, reduce energy loss and prevent costly repairs.

Between the lines: - The guidance is not just about lower bills. It is also a grid-reliability message as peak demand rises in extreme heat. - FMEA is framing conservation as a shared-cost strategy for customers and utilities during one of the most expensive seasons for electricity use. - The emphasis on low-cost behavior changes suggests the organization sees immediate savings from everyday habits, not just long-term equipment upgrades.

What's next: - FMEA is encouraging Florida households to keep using these measures as hot weather continues. - Public power utilities are expected to keep investing in infrastructure and efficiency projects to support reliability and limit energy losses. - Customers can use the tips now to reduce summer cooling costs and prepare for continued high temperatures.