Practice Social Distancing
Saving Together: 10 Ways the Whole Family Can Save On Energy This Sizzling Hot Summer
By Andre Sowerby-Thomas
With everyone spending more time at home, along with record-breaking high temperatures, your air conditioner (A/C) and other appliances are working twice as hard to keep you cool. Across the state, Floridians are looking for ways to save during these challenging times – and your energy bill is the perfect place to start.
Whether you have noticed it or not, extra time working, cooking and relaxing in your pool at home means more energy usage than normal. To save on your energy bill, try implementing the energy saving tips below and read on about how you can use FPL’s free Energy Analyzer tool to pinpoint where you can cut back.
Summer Stay-at-Home Energy Efficiency Tips
Working from home
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Your computer needs some rest in between those virtual conference calls. Use sleep mode when inactive to achieve savings up to $20 per year for each computer in your home.
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Save up to 30% by using smart power strips to regulate energy use on equipment like computers, scanners and printers. Smart power strips cut power off and save energy since they can detect when a device is in standby mode.
Eating at home
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Meal prepping for the week? Bake several dishes at a time, using the smallest appliance you need to get the job done or your outside grill. Nothing says summer like delicious BBQ meals!
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Using smaller appliances like the microwave or toaster oven, instead of the stove top, saves money on energy usage. They also do not heat up your house as much as larger appliances, keeping your A/C unit from working harder to keep your home cool.
Playing at home
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Your TV, game systems, routers and cable boxes are probably getting a lot of use right now. Not to worry, increased use of TVs and systems will not raise your bill significantly (approx. $8-$15 per month), but still make sure that they are turned off or unplugged when not in use.
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Reduce your pool pump's run time to six hours or less per day to save up to $100 annually.
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Turn off fans/lights when you leave a room.
Saving together at home
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With everyone at home, the laundry basket seems to overflow each day. Save energy by adjusting your washing machine to the appropriate water level for each load and clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load to minimize drying time.
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Set your thermostat to 78° F or higher with the fan switched to auto – each degree increase can save up to 5% on cooling costs.
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Keep bedroom and other doors open – closed doors can block the airflow and cause your A/C to pump more air to keep the house cool.
Monitor and manage your energy use with the FPL Energy Analyzer to become an energy saving pro all summer and year long. This free tool provides an itemized breakdown of energy use and offers more simple energy saving tips to different kinds of energy users. Activate your free FPL Energy Analyzer today, and check back at any time to see how these changes can help lower your bill.
IDEAS FOR FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY AT HOME
Our Miami Kids Magazine Kids Reporter, Kenneth Richey, gives great ideas for activities that families can do to have fun at home!
What To Do During Social Distancing
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To print this list, click here!
SAFETY TIPS FOR FAMILIES
LIMIT THE SPREAD OF GERMS AND PREVENT INFECTION
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Stay home if you can and avoid gatherings of more than ten people.
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Practice social distancing by keeping a distance of about six feet from others if you must go out in public.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; throw used tissues in the trash. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets, faucets and countertops.
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If surfaces are dirty, clean them - use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Full information on how to disinfect found here.
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Wear a facemask if you are sick. You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms include fever, shortness of breath and a cough. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Call your doctor for medical advice if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms.
