Energy Efficiency

Building energy use represents almost half (49.1%) of the City's greenhouse gas emissions. (See the City's GHG inventory to learn more). Since building energy use - primarily electricity - is such a major contributor to GHG emissions, implementing energy efficiency in your home or business is a vital and impactful climate action. It can save you money, too! 

Steps to save energy (and money!) at home.


Step 1: Assess your home energy use.

Knowledge is power and the more you can learn about the energy you are already using the more you can target changes to save you money. 

  • Use FPL’s free toolsand resources to learn from your bill.
    • FPL’s Energy Manager will show you exactly what you are spending money on in your home and how your energy uses change month to month and even hour to hour. 
    • Consult one of FPL’s Energy Expert by requesting a free Home Energy Survey.  
  • Hire a professional auditor to do a full home energy assessment, or do one yourself. Learn more at Energy.gov. (Incentives available!)

Step 2: Take some low or no cost actions.

The amount of energy we use in our home can be influenced by our behaviors or small inefficiencies. Save energy with low-cost actions you can take today. 

  • Adjust your thermostat. Increasing the temperature just one degree can save 1-3% on your energy bill. Raise the temperature higher when you are not home. A smart thermostat can help. 
  • Lower the temperature on your water heater. An ideal temperature for energy efficiency is around 120 °F
  • Only run full loads in your washing machine, dryer, or dish washer. 
  • Maintain appliances to keep them working efficiently. Clean you dryer lint tray, clean seals on your refrigerator and freezer, replace A/C filters regularly.
  • Save energy while cooking by using small appliances (pressure cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, microwave, etc.) instead of an oven. Cover pots with lids and water boils faster. 
  • Use caulk or weather stripping to seal leaks around windows and doors. 
  • Avoid vampire load by unplugging chargers and appliances when not in use. A smart power strip can help. 
  • LEARN MORE by watching the Home Energy Efficiency Training video.

Step  3: Keep the cool air in your home.

In addition to adjusting your thermostat, you can save money on cooling by making sure the cold air stays inside your home. 

Step 4: As you replace appliances, get the most efficient version.

There is no need to get rid of a perfectly functional appliance. That is not economically feasible for many people and ignores the embedded energy in those appliances. But, as your appliances age and need replacing, invest in the most efficient model you can. (Incentives available!)

Step 5: Go solar!

There is no shortage of sunshine in the Sunshine State. Clean your energy use even more by installing solar energy systems. The City is a SolSmart community, making it even easier to go solar. (Incentives available!)

Bonus! A hurricane safe home is an efficient home!

Make your home safer AND more efficient with new incentives available from the State of Florida. 

  • Get a free home hurricane inspection and apply for grant money for strengthening improvements. More info at mysafeflhome.com
  • Get hurricane rated windows and doors tax free (exp. June 30, 2024) with the Florida Home Hardening Sales Tax Incentive.  More info at MyFloridaACFO.com.