JUNO BEACH, Fla. — As temperatures drop this week, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) encourages customers to be prepared. Cold snaps can significantly impact energy bills, as heating uses two to three times more energy than cooling.

“Florida winters can be unpredictable, and even a few cold nights in a row can increase energy usage,” said J.T. Young, FPL Vice President and General Manager. “Planning ahead and making small adjustments at home can help customers keep their bills as low as possible all season long.”

What are the best thermostat settings to keep bills as low as possible in cold weather?

• Adjust your heat to a temperature that's comfortable for your family. For every degree below 68, you could save up to 5% on heating costs.
• Avoid raising your thermostat by more than two degrees at a time to prevent accidentally turning on your system’s auxiliary heating, which can add up to $15 per day* if used more than 12 hours a day.

What are tips to stay warm and keep heating costs low?

• Try to focus on warming the rooms you’re in with space heaters but be sure to use them safely and unplug them when you leave the room. Don’t forget to bundle up, and electric blankets are great for extra comfort.
• Reverse the setting on your ceiling fan to push warmer air down. Just remember to turn it off when you leave the room to save $7 a month.
• Seal doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk to keep warm air in and cold air out.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when it’s not in use. An open damper is like leaving a window open. It lets warm air escape and cold air rush in.

How can space heaters be safely used?

• Use space heaters for limited amounts of time and not as a primary heat source. Direct space heaters to warm people, not rooms.
• Choose space heater models with thermostats and timers for better control.
• Keep heaters away from furniture and drapes. Turn them off when leaving the room and be sure to keep children and pets at least three feet away. 
• Avoid using extension cords.

Where can FPL customers find more resources to stay warm but save energy?

Customers can visit FPL.com/WaystoSave to access FPL’s free tools, like the Energy Manager, and information on FPL’s energy-saving programs and rebates. Visit FPL.com/HouseofSavings for practical savings tips this winter season.  

*Based on 7.5 kW strip heat running 12–16 hours a day.

About Florida Power & Light Company 

Florida Power & Light Company is America’s largest electric utility, delivering reliable power to more than 6 million customer accounts — serving approximately 12 million people across Florida. By leveraging a diverse energy mix, including nuclear, natural gas, solar and battery storage, FPL operates one of the most fuel- and cost-efficient power generation fleets in the U.S. and has earned the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for seven of the last ten years. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), which is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America and is a leading provider of electricity to American homes and businesses. NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is advancing America’s energy future with one of the largest and most diverse portfolios of power generation and infrastructure solutions. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.