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- Prime Time Plus
- Energy Planner
- Ductwork Program
- Ceiling Insulation
- Window Replacement
- Heating & Cooling Program
- Vendor Number Form
- Energy Star® New Construction
- Energy Star® Smart Thermostat
- Energy Star® Pool Pump
- Education and Awareness
- Weatherization
- Energy Calculators
- Energy-Efficiency Tips for Home
Energy-Efficiency Tips for Home
The energy experts at Tampa Electric developed these energy-efficiency tips to help you better manage your home’s energy costs. We’re also pleased to offer more energy-saving programs than any other utility in the state.
To get started on your energy-saving journey, we recommend that you complete a free Energy Audit that’s designed to pinpoint areas where you can save the most. Visit our Energy Audit page and choose the energy audit that’s right for you:
Hot Weather
- Service cooling systems annually and adjust for maximum efficiency.
- Have your duct system sealed.
- If possible, replace your central air conditioner with a more efficient unit.
- If your home will be unoccupied for more than four hours, adjust your thermostat to 80 degrees or higher.
- When home, set thermostats at 78 degrees or higher.
- Consider a new ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostat. Get an ENERGY STAR® smart thermostat rebate from Tampa Electric.
- Run ceiling fans in occupied rooms only. Set them to rotate counterclockwise.
- Change air-conditioning filters monthly and make sure they are installed facing the correct direction (look for directional arrows on the side of the filter).
- Close fireplace dampers when not in use.
- Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep the heat outside.
- Insulate your attic access door and close it tightly if located within an air-conditioned area.
- Ensure windows and doors are properly weather-stripped.
Earn a Tampa Electric rebate when you replace your old, inefficient Heating and Cooling system with a new, energy-efficient heat pump that meets our energy-saving standards. We also offer an incentive when you have your ductwork inspected and sealed. Ask our energy experts to set up a pre-approval inspection.
Cold Weather
- Service your heating system annually and adjust for maximum efficiency.
- Have your duct system sealed.
- If your home will be unoccupied for more than four hours, turn off the heating.
- Set thermostats at 68 degrees or lower in winter.
- When using heat, lower your nighttime thermostat at least 10 degrees for 8 to 10 hours and save 10 percent to 20 percent on heating costs.
- Consider a new ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostat. Get an ENERGY STAR® smart thermostat rebate from Tampa Electric.
- Run ceiling fans in occupied rooms only. Set them to rotate clockwise.
- Change filters monthly and make sure they are installed facing the correct direction (look for directional arrows on the side of the filter).
- Close fireplace dampers when not in use.
- Close shades and drapes at night to keep heat inside.
- Ensure windows and doors are properly weather-stripped.
Earn a Tampa Electric rebate when you replace your old, inefficient Heating and Cooling system with a new, energy-efficient heat pump that meets our energy-saving standards. We also offer an incentive when you have your ductwork inspected and sealed. Ask our energy experts to set up a pre-approval inspection.
Water Heating
- Install heat recovery water heating and save 35 percent to 55 percent on water heating costs with a central air conditioner.
- Install flow-restricting devices in showers and faucets.
- Lower water heater thermostat settings to 120 degrees.
- Replace your water heater with a heat pump system.
- Turn off your water heater when your home is vacant for two or more days.
- Drain your water heater and flush sediment out of the tank each year.
- Insulate exposed hot water lines.
- Limit shower length to five to seven minutes.
- Fix dripping faucets.
Laundry
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Do only full laundry loads or adjust the water level accordingly.
- Clean your dryer’s lint trap before each load.
- Make sure that the outdoor dryer exhaust door closes when the dryer is off.
- Verify dryer vent hose is tightly connected to the inside wall fitting.
- Make sure your dryer’s vent hose is not kinked or clogged.
Kitchen
- Fix damaged refrigerator door seals.
- Replace old appliances with high-efficiency models.
- Clean refrigerator coils every three months.
- Switch your refrigerator’s power-saver to “ON,” if available.
- Set your refrigerator temperature to 34 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit and freezer temperature to zero to five degrees Fahrenheit.
- Unplug unused refrigerators or freezers.
- Use a microwave, air fryer and/or instant pot for cooking when possible.
- Let hot food cool before storing it in a refrigerator.
- Only run the dishwasher when fully loaded.
Lighting
- Replace standard incandescent bulbs with efficient light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs).
- Turn off unnecessary lighting.
- Install automatic timers and/or motion sensors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
Other
- Seal leaks in your attic, fireplace and around electrical outlets.
- Shade windows or install reflective materials to windows that face east and west.
- Caulk and/or weather-strip windows and doors.
- Insulate walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces that are opposite unconditioned areas (ask about our insulation rebate).
- Turn computers and monitors off when not in use.
- Turn off TVs, radios, gaming systems and stereos when not in use.
- Turn off pool pumps and/or heater when not needed and adjust timer to operate 6-8 hours in summer and 4-6 hours in winter.
- Insulate electric wall plugs and wall switches with foam pads.
- Caulk along baseboards with sealant.
- Ensure all new appliances you purchase are approved by ENERGY STAR®, a U.S. government program that encourages energy savings through the use of efficient appliances. Visit energystar.gov for more information.
Tampa Electric offers rebates for implementing stand-alone measures that can add to the comfort of your home and decrease energy costs.
Additional Resources
- Program Overview
- Energy-Efficiency Tips
- Cost to Operate Appliances
- Energy Efficiency Bill Insert
- Energy Planner Brochure
- Prime Time Plus Brochure
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