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Start with cooling. During a Florida heat wave, the air conditioner runs longer to remove both heat and humidity, even if you have not changed the thermostat. Set the thermostat to the highest temperature you can comfortably tolerate (Florida Power & Light uses 78°F as a benchmark), raise it while the home is empty, keep the indoor fan on Auto, and use a schedule or smart thermostat. Then reduce heat entering the house, maintain the system, and address water heating and appliance use. The percentages below are utility estimates, not guarantees; actual results depend on weather, humidity, insulation, equipment condition, occupancy and your electric rate.
Why a Florida heat wave can spike your bill
Your bill is driven by kilowatt-hours, and cooling can dominate summer use. As outdoor temperature and humidity rise, the system must run longer to hold the same indoor setting. A constant thermostat reading therefore does not mean constant consumption. Longer compressor cycles, a dirty filter, leaking ducts, solar heat through windows, pool-pump schedules, electric water heating and other always-on loads can all appear in the same billing period.
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Before buying equipment, separate a weather-driven increase from a new electrical problem. Compare the current billing period with the same period last year, not just with the previous month. The weather and number of billing days may differ, so the comparison is a diagnostic rather than a promise of savings.
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Use the utility’s usage view
FPL customers can use the Energy Dashboard to review hourly or daily consumption where the feature is available and look for unusual changes. Check whether the increase lines up with longer air-conditioner runtime, a pool pump running at a different time, water-heater demand or equipment that never turns off. A sudden jump with no corresponding heat or occupancy change warrants an equipment and meter check rather than simply turning the thermostat higher.
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- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
Set the thermostat for the largest immediate effect
Thermostat control is the fastest lever because it changes how long the compressor runs. Duke Energy Florida advises setting the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting; even a couple of degrees can help. FPL’s consumer guidance uses 78°F in summer. Choose the highest setting that still allows you to sleep, work and manage humidity comfortably.
Use setbacks when the house is empty
Raise the setting when everyone is away instead of cooling an empty home to the occupied temperature. Duke’s June 19, 2026 appliance guidance estimates that adjusting the thermostat 7–10°F from its normal setting for eight hours a day can lower cooling costs by up to 10%. That is a potential cooling-cost reduction, not a guaranteed bill reduction, and it assumes the home and equipment can recover without unusually long, inefficient operation.
FPL’s top-tips PDF estimates that setting the air conditioner to 78°F can save 3%–5% on monthly cooling costs for each degree the setting is raised. The estimate is utility guidance from a 2022 PDF; it is not a universal rate or a promise that every additional degree will produce the same result. Keep humidity and comfort in view, especially in homes with moisture problems.
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- Set an occupied temperature that is comfortable during the hottest part of the day.
- Program a higher setting for work, school or other periods when the home is empty.
- Return to the occupied setting shortly before people arrive rather than cooling an empty house all day.
- Use the thermostat’s Auto fan mode so the blower does not run continuously after the compressor stops.
A smart thermostat can automate these changes and may help avoid forgetting a setback. FPL says average savings from a smart thermostat may reach up to 3% of total energy costs. Treat that as an estimate that depends on the schedule you actually use, the equipment and the home.
Keep the air conditioner moving air efficiently
Replace a dirty filter
Inspect the filter and replace it with the correct size when it is dirty or clogged. A restricted filter makes the blower work harder and can reduce airflow across the coil. Duke Energy reports that replacing a dirty, clogged filter can lower air-conditioner energy consumption by 5%–15%. That figure describes energy use, not necessarily the same percentage of your total electric bill.
Do not install a filter that does not fit or block the return grille. If the system still has weak airflow after a correct filter change, the problem may be elsewhere in the ductwork, coil or blower.
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Know when to call an HVAC professional
Arrange an inspection by a qualified contractor if the system struggles to hold the set temperature, runs continuously in moderate conditions, leaks condensate or makes an unusual noise. Those symptoms can indicate a refrigerant, drainage, airflow or electrical problem that a thermostat change will not solve. Duke says properly installed ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment can yield 10%–30% annual bill savings, but the actual result varies with the home’s envelope, the old system, sizing, installation quality, weather and operating habits.
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Block heat before it reaches the rooms
Close shades on sunny windows
Sun through glass adds sensible heat that the air conditioner must remove. Close curtains, blinds or shades on the sunny side of the home, especially during the afternoon. Duke and FPL both recommend this measure. Thermal curtains or shades can make the step easier to follow, but the useful action is keeping direct sun out during the hottest exposure.
Seal the leaks you can find
Inspect exterior doors, windows, visible vents and accessible duct connections. Caulk stationary gaps and use weatherstripping on movable doors or windows where appropriate. Duke estimates that caulking and weatherstripping leaks may save 10%–20% in cooling costs. The estimate applies to cooling costs and depends on how leaky the home was to begin with; a recently sealed home will have less remaining opportunity.
Do not block required combustion-air openings or make alterations that create a safety hazard. If ductwork is inaccessible or visibly damaged, ask a qualified contractor to assess it rather than sealing unknown materials.
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Ceiling fans make occupants feel cooler by moving air across skin; they do not lower the room’s temperature. Turn them off in unoccupied rooms. Leaving them on while nobody is present adds motor consumption without a comfort benefit.
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Lower the electric water-heating load
Duke identifies the electric water heater as typically the second-highest home energy user after the air conditioner. If your household and equipment allow it, set the heater to 120°F, following the manufacturer’s instructions and household safety needs. Duke estimates that a 120°F setting can save 6%–10% on water-heater energy.
At 120°F, verify that everyone in the household can get adequate hot water and that any manufacturer or health-related requirement for your equipment is met. Do not change a setting blindly on a system with special controls or a mixing valve; ask a qualified professional when compatibility is unclear.
Use less hot water at the fixture
Low-flow shower fixtures can reduce hot-water use by 25%–60%, according to Duke. The percentage is an estimate of hot-water savings, not a direct promise of the same percentage reduction in the whole electric bill. Choose fixtures that maintain a usable spray and install them without creating leaks.
Move heat-producing chores out of the hottest hours
Wash clothes in cold water when the fabric and detergent permit. FPL lists cold-water washing among its top bill-lowering tips. For laundry, dishwashing and other heat-producing appliances, Duke recommends cooler morning hours. This does not eliminate the appliance’s energy use, but it keeps additional heat from entering the home during the period when the air conditioner is working hardest.
- Run the dishwasher and clothes dryer in the morning when practical.
- Use cold or warm water instead of hot for compatible laundry loads.
- Keep oven and other heat-producing appliance use out of the hottest afternoon period when an alternative schedule is practical.
- Check pool-pump schedules and other timers after a heat-wave bill; a changed schedule can add hours of operation.
Use programs before committing to major equipment
FPL options
FPL says its listed efficiency tips can lower a bill by around $30 a month, but that is an estimate and not a guaranteed credit. Check the current eligibility rules before buying or installing anything. FPL offers an Energy Dashboard and rebates for eligible efficient air-conditioning upgrades. Confirm the qualifying equipment, installation requirements, documentation and application deadline before signing a contract; program terms can change.
Duke Energy Florida options
Duke offers a free Home Energy Check that can help identify cooling, air-sealing and water-heating opportunities. It also offers the voluntary EnergyWise Home demand-response program. Duke’s March 2025 release says eligible appliances temporarily cycled during high-demand periods can earn up to $141 in annual credits. The credit is conditional on eligibility and participation, and program terms, amounts and equipment requirements can change.
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Ask the utility or local cooperative what is available at your address before purchasing a smart thermostat, HVAC system or other equipment. A rebate can reduce the net cost, but it does not make an unsuitable or oversized installation a good investment.
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Choose measures by cost, tenure and speed
The most sensible order depends on whether you rent or own, how quickly you need relief and whether the problem is cooling, hot water or the building envelope.
| Measure | Upfront commitment | Time to impact | What it controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat setback and scheduling | Low cost | Immediate | Air-conditioner runtime |
| Correct-size filter replacement | Low cost | Immediate after installation | Airflow and air-conditioner energy use |
| Closing curtains or shades | Low to moderate, depending on existing coverings | Immediate | Solar heat gain |
| Caulking and weatherstripping | Moderate envelope work | After leaks are sealed | Conditioned-air and outdoor-air leakage |
| 120°F water-heater setting and low-flow fixtures | Low to moderate | Immediate after adjustment or installation | Hot-water energy use |
| HVAC replacement | High upfront cost | After installation | Cooling efficiency and capacity |
| Utility audit, rebate or demand-response enrollment | Usually low; eligibility applies | After assessment, approval or enrollment | Identifies opportunities or reduces net cost |
Renters can usually start with thermostat schedules, filters (with the landlord’s maintenance policy), curtains and appliance timing. Owners can also address duct connections, weatherstripping, insulation-related leakage and equipment replacement. Get permission before making changes to a rental’s wiring, water heater or HVAC controls.
A practical sequence for the next bill
- Check the bill and usage pattern. Compare the current period with the same period last year and review FPL’s dashboard, when available. Note billing days, cooling runtime, pool-pump hours, water-heater use and always-on equipment.
- Set the thermostat. Choose the highest comfortable setting, use a higher setting when away, program a schedule and select fan Auto.
- Inspect the filter. Install the correct replacement if the existing filter is dirty or clogged.
- Block solar gain. Close shades, blinds or curtains on sunny windows before the heat builds.
- Seal accessible leaks. Caulk stationary gaps and weatherstrip suitable doors and windows; arrange professional duct or HVAC evaluation for problems you cannot safely access.
- Reduce hot-water demand. Consider 120°F when compatible with your equipment and needs, use low-flow fixtures and wash suitable loads in cold water.
- Reschedule heat-producing appliances. Run laundry, dishwashing and similar loads during cooler morning hours when practical.
- Check programs. Review current FPL rebates or Duke’s Home Energy Check and EnergyWise Home terms before purchasing equipment or enrolling.
When a higher bill needs troubleshooting
The air conditioner runs constantly
First check the filter, thermostat schedule, closed registers and obvious airflow restrictions. Confirm that windows and doors are closed and sunny shades are in place. If the system still cannot hold the set temperature, leaks condensate, produces unusual noise or behaves differently from normal, stop treating it as a simple thermostat issue and call a qualified HVAC contractor.
The bill rose but cooling behavior did not
Use the usage dashboard or meter data to look for pool-pump schedule changes, electric water-heater demand, a refrigerator or freezer running unusually often, or other equipment that is always on. Compare billing days and weather with the same period last year. If consumption remains unexplained, ask the utility about a meter or account review.
The house feels humid after raising the thermostat
Comfort depends on humidity as well as temperature. A large setback may not suit every home or HVAC system. Use the highest setting that remains comfortable, keep the system maintained and seek professional advice if moisture, condensation or mold concerns appear.
What savings estimates do—and do not—mean
Utility percentages are directional estimates for specific actions. Duke’s 5%–15% filter figure concerns air-conditioner energy consumption; its 10%–20% air-sealing figure concerns cooling costs; its 6%–10% figure concerns water-heater energy at 120°F. FPL’s 3%–5% estimate applies to monthly cooling costs for each degree the setting is raised, and its approximately $30 monthly figure covers its listed tips together. Duke’s up-to-10% setback estimate assumes a 7–10°F change for eight hours a day. None should be added together as if each were an independent, guaranteed bill reduction.
Start with measures that cost little and reveal information: thermostat scheduling, a clean filter, shade control, appliance timing and usage monitoring. Then use the evidence from your bill and any utility assessment to decide whether air sealing, low-flow fixtures, a smart thermostat or a new HVAC system justifies additional spending.
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