JUNO BEACH, Fla. -- While Floridians may not yet see relief from high temperatures this month, there is relief of another form that can save energy and help manage monthly utility bills. Florida Power & Light Company reminds its customers of Energy Efficiency Week, October 5th through the 11th, marked by sales-tax-free shopping on qualifying energy-efficient appliances and products. 

Energy Efficiency Week, designated by Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the State Legislature, recognizes the importance of energy conservation and the lasting impact it can have on our communities and our environment.  As a U.S. Department of Energy Energy Star® Program partner, FPL encourages its customers to take advantage of this opportunity to purchase energy savings products for their home. The tax free benefit applies only to residential consumer purchases of less than $1,500.

“There are so many products available today for energy conscious consumers,” said Marlene Santos, FPL vice president for Customers Services. “Energy Efficiency Week is an excellent time, when the state sales tax is lifted, for consumers to purchase those that will continue to save them money over the long-term.”

The following are just some of the low-cost, energy-efficient solutions available at most local retail home improvement outlets: 

• Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are a bright idea for energy savings.  Just replacing a 100-watt indoor incandescent light bulb with an equivalent CFL can save up to $13 a year.
• Low-flow shower heads are inexpensive and easy to install.  Since water heaters are the third largest users of electricity in the average home, customers can expect to save about $43 a year after installing low-flow shower heads, which use less water and power.
• In every home, heat and humidity leak in during the summer and escape in the winter through the ceilings, windows and doors. Sealing your home from the outside air is one of the most effective ways to reduce electricity use.
  .  If your home was built before 1982, chances are you need to add ceiling insulation.  Depending on your current level of insulation, this could result in about $66 per year in energy savings. 
  .  Weather-stripping, caulking and door sweeps help to seal off windows and doors, also relieving a home’s air conditioner of extra work.  Combined, these efforts can add up to an average annual savings of more than $60.
• An A/C filter whistle lets you know when it’s time to change your system’s filter. Changing filters regularly helps maintain your system’s efficiency to the tune of about $22 per year in savings.

FPL also provides an Energy Efficiency Week link (www.FPL.com/eeweek) that directs customers to a full list of the energy-efficient products which qualify for tax-free savings.  The site also offers information about the basics of energy consumption and useful energy saving tips for homes and businesses. FPL business, residential, and low-and fixed-income customers can also learn about FPL’s rebate programs that will help them save even more.  While there, customers can conduct an Online Home Energy Survey – a free, personalized, in-depth analysis of a home’s energy use to uncover energy wasters and produce detailed reports about ways to save. 

During Energy Efficiency Week, FPL invites its customers to get involved in energy-efficiency by participating in one or more of its public outreach efforts. For a full list of events, visit www.FPL.com/eeweek.  Some of these include:

• Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise -- FPL representatives will be at various Turnpike location service plazas from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., where commuters can stop by for a free A/C filter whistle (while supplies last) and learn about energy efficiency. FPL customers who enroll on site for one of FPL’s energy conservation programs will automatically be entered in a raffle to win a SunPass preloaded with $25 in tolls or an energy efficiency basket.
  .   Friday, October 6th -- Pompano Beach Service Plaza
  .   Monday, October 9th -- West Palm Beach Service Plaza
  .   Tuesday, October 10th -- Ft. Pierce Service Plaza
  
• “BEE” Efficient and Profitable! -- During the week, FPL energy specialists will conduct a Business Energy Evaluation (BEE) to help the Palm Beach Zoo find new ways to conserve energy. All business customers can receive a free, comprehensive BEE of their own business by calling FPL’s Business Care Center at 1-800-FPL-5566 (375-5566).
• Business Webinar -- On Tuesday, October 10th from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., FPL is hosting a free web cast for small and medium-size business customers titled “Managing Energy Costs in an Era of Rising Fuel Prices.”  Business customers are encouraged to pre-register by visiting the FPL web site to ensure their space for this important program.

As part of Energy Efficiency Week, FPL also created and distributed to elementary schools throughout its service area several Public Service Announcements to raise awareness among students about helping their environment by conserving energy and natural resources.  The messages feature original superhero “Captain Conservation,” who – through fun and song – provides specific, easy and effective ways for children to save energy at home or at school every day.  The PSAs are intended for broadcast during schools’ morning announcements during Energy Efficiency Week.  Local TV stations are also encouraged to air the PSAs during family programming.

“FPL is proud to support the state’s Energy Efficiency Week,” said Santos. “These initiatives are in keeping with FPL’s overall, year-round strategy to partner with its customers in an effort to help them better understand energy use, make their homes more energy efficient and better manage their electric bills.”