With winter in the rear-view mirror and summer ahead, now is the perfect time for a springtime energy tune up — a proactive check-up designed to help you stay ahead of the heat and keep electric bills in check.
Tampa Electric’s Spring Energy Tune Up includes energy-saving programs, in-home energy audits and practical solutions tailored for Florida living. A little preparation now can mean lower bills and greater comfort all year long.
Additional electric bill relief is coming later this year. The storm-related recovery charge currently included in monthly bills will drop off in September, delivering meaningful savings for customers. Most residential and small business customers will see bills decrease by $19.95 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours, and customers who use more electricity will see even greater savings. Customers enrolled in Budget Billing will see their bills adjust gradually over time, as monthly payments are based on a prior 12-month average designed to keep bills predictable and stable.
Your TECO Spring Tune-Up Toolkit
Tampa Electric’s free Energy Audit is an effective way to begin your tune up. Certified energy experts will take a close look at your home to identify where it may be losing energy – and driving up your electric bill. During the visit, the auditor will assess your heating and cooling systems, attic insulation, weather stripping and more. Or simply log in to your TECO account to complete a convenient and free online version.
The Budget Billing program is a free and easy way to take the highs and lows out of your electric bill, helping you to manage your energy costs. Your monthly payment is based on your average electric bills from the previous 12 months, so your payments are steadier and more predictable year ‘round – even with seasonal weather changes.
Prime Time Plus is a free program that provides monthly bill credits when you allow Tampa Electric to briefly cycle off certain equipment when electricity demand is extremely high. For example, enrolling a heating and cooling system, water heater, pool pump and Level 2 electric vehicle charger earns you $360 per year. The more you add, the more you save. It comes with a free smart thermostat.
Tampa Electric’s Energy Planner program rewards you with lower rates about 87% of the time, when you use energy while electricity demand is lowest. For example, doing laundry on weekends rather than weekdays results in a lower rate. You can plan your usage easily online, and Tampa Electric will install a free programmable thermostat that lets you adjust temperature settings for even more savings.
Our Neighborhood Weatherization program has helped thousands of customers lower their energy costs by making their homes more energy efficient. If your home qualifies, Tampa Electric will install a variety of energy-saving items at no cost to you, such as weather stripping and low-flow shower heads. Plus, certified energy analysts will perform a free Energy Audit to help find additional ways to save. Qualifying customers may also receive free duct sealing and ceiling insulation.
Spring Tune-Up Tips
Air conditioning is the biggest reason electric bills spike in the summer. During the steamy season, the system runs longer and more frequently, and that can have a major impact on electric bills. It’s important to know that:
- The lower you set the thermostat, the harder (and longer) the AC unit runs.
- High humidity makes the system run more often.
- Older or poorly maintained units use significantly more power.
Here are ways to stay cool while using less electricity:
- Change air-conditioning filters monthly and make sure they’re installed in the correct direction. Doing this regularly can cut energy use for cooling by up to 15%.
- Leaky ducts can account for nearly 20% of an air conditioner’s energy use. Sealing and insulating ductwork helps to ensure your cool air makes it into your living space.
- Raise your thermostat as high as you comfortably can. Every degree you raise the temperature above its current setting can save you about 7% in cooling costs.
- Run ceiling fans only in occupied rooms – fans cool people, not rooms.
- Service cooling systems annually and adjust for maximum efficiency.
For more ways to save energy before the summer, visit TampaElectric.com/Spring.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 870,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.