JUNO BEACH, Fla., Aug. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer temperatures are hitting record highs across the nation this year – and Florida is feeling the heat across the state – from Jacksonville, where FPL customers recently experienced 24 straight days of 90 degrees or warmer weather, to South Florida where Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport experienced its hottest July on record. Hot weather is not only uncomfortable but also is the number one driver of high electric bills as a result of increased customer usage of air conditioning. 

"We're no strangers to the high temperatures here in Florida, but this year we're experiencing higher-than-normal nighttime temperatures," explained Tim Drum, FPL meteorologist. "As a result, air conditioners are working overtime, which can really put a strain on your wallet."

In the summer, FPL customers run their air conditioners longer to keep cool and comfortable. In fact, FPL customers can run their air conditioning units up to twice as long in the summer as compared to cooler months, accounting for more than half of their electric bills. Factor in the extra air conditioning use with kids being out of school and many FPL customers end up with higher-than-expected summer electric bills. So you don't have to sweat over the bill this summer, FPL has a few easy ideas on how to keep your home feeling and looking cool – all while saving you money:

• A/C Settings: The biggest difference you can make to save energy at home is by adjusting your thermostat. We recommend turning up the thermostat to 78 degrees when you're home and 82 degrees or more if you're away. And remember, for every one degree you raise your indoor temperature, you can save about five percent on monthly cooling costs.
• Smart Thermostats: These devices allow you to adjust on-the-go from your mobile device. Some models feature sensor technology that can measure temperature and occupancy to adjust automatically to keep you comfortable when you're home and help you save energy when you're away. 
• Smart A/C: If your home uses a wall unit, there are smart options on the market that are Wi-Fi-enabled that can track your usage, monitor the weather and can be controlled with your smart phone – all while moving air faster, cooling more efficiently, and evening out temperature fluctuations. 
• Room Sensors:  Say goodbye to the clapper. These devices can turn lights on automatically when you walk in the room. Some newer models can also sense the level of natural light in a room and won't turn on lights unless necessary. 
• Televisions: LED flat screens use about half the power of an LCD. Choose products with an ENERGY STAR® label for even more savings. Also, consider dimming the display on your TV to reduce brightness. Settings for "vivid" or "dynamic" typically use more energy.
• Video Game Consoles: Newer gaming consoles, while more energy-efficient than older models, will consume more energy streaming video or in standby-mode than actually playing games. Instead, use a DVD player or a streaming stick device to watch movies. And, always remember to turn off consoles when not in use.
• Window Treatments: Protect your home from sun damage, harmful UV rays and heat while preserving your view with solar shades. These stylish window treatments can block up to 90 percent of the sun's heat from penetrating windows and they come in many colors, styles and textures to match your decor. 
• Home Survey: Take FPL's Online Home Energy Survey for an energy-savings plan tailored for your home that could save you up to $250 a year in energy costs. The survey is integrated with your home's Energy Dashboard so you can see just how much energy you use by the hour, day or month.

Plus, when customers take the survey this month, they'll be entered to win one of five smart home energy packages valued at over $500. Just go to FPL.com/EasyToSave to learn more.

Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the third-largest electric utility in the United States, serving approximately 4.8 million customer accounts across nearly half of the state of Florida. FPL's typical 1,000-kWh residential customer bill is approximately 30 percent lower than the latest national average and, in 2014, was the lowest in Florida among 55 reporting utilities for the fifth year in a row. FPL's service reliability is better than 99.98 percent, and its highly fuel-efficient power plant fleet is one of the cleanest among all utilities nationwide. The company was recognized in 2015 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities by Market Strategies International. A leading Florida employer with approximately 8,700 employees, FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, ethics and diversity, including being ranked in the top 10 worldwide for innovativeness and community responsibility as part of Fortune's 2015 list of "World's Most Admired Companies." NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. For more information, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

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SOURCE Florida Power & Light Company