Have you opened your electric bill lately and thought, “Wait… that can’t be right”? You’re not alone. Electricity rates have been rising faster than just about everything else—outpacing general inflation by more than double over the past year. And here in sunny Florida, where air conditioning runs nearly year-round, those increases feel even more intense.

Unfortunately, experts say high prices aren’t going away anytime soon. That means the best thing we can do is get proactive about cutting costs—starting right now.

So if you're ready to take back control and ease the sting of your next bill, here are 7 smart, simple changes that can help you save money fast—without sacrificing comfort in your home.

1. Nudge That Thermostat Just a Bit Higher

In Brevard, where the sun shines most days, your AC is probably working overtime. But here’s a trick: Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature—ideally between 75 and 78 degrees. Even a small adjustment of just 1-2 degrees can make a noticeable dent in your energy use.

Want to go a step further? Upgrade to a smart thermostat. These gadgets learn your habits, adjust settings when you're away, and can save you around 8% on your bill—without you lifting a finger. Imagine walking into a cool, comfy home that’s also saving you money. That’s a win-win.

2. Close the Curtains During the Day

It’s simple but powerful: Keep your blinds or curtains closed during peak daylight hours. Up to 30% of the heat in your home comes straight through the windows. Blocking that out can give your AC a much-needed break and keep your space naturally cooler.

Pro tip: Consider thermal curtains or reflective window film for rooms that get heavy afternoon sun.

3. Turn Down the Water Heater

Hot showers feel great—but heating that water eats up about 18% of your home’s energy. By dialing your water heater down to 120°F, you’ll still enjoy warm showers, but you’ll spend less doing it. And don’t worry—you likely won’t even notice the temperature change.

4. Shift Your High-Energy Tasks to Off-Peak Hours

Did you know some utility companies charge less for electricity during certain times of the day? Running your dishwasher, laundry machines, or even charging your EV in the early morning or later evening can lead to real savings—especially if your utility offers a time-of-use pricing plan.

Even if you’re not on one of these plans yet, it’s worth checking with FPL or your local provider to see if it’s an option.

5. Seal the Gaps: A Weekend Project That Pays Off

Brevard’s ocean breezes are lovely—but not when they’re sneaking in through your windows and doors. Spend a Saturday sealing up cracks with caulk or weather stripping. Not only will this help keep your cool air inside where it belongs, but it can also reduce drafts and energy waste year-round.

Bonus: It’s a low-cost DIY fix that can make your home feel more comfortable right away.

6. Tap Into Your Utility’s Free Resources

FPL and other utility companies actually want to help you use less electricity—and they offer tons of free or low-cost tools to help. One of FPL’s newest resources, the House of Savings, is a virtual experience where you can explore energy-saving tips tailored to your home.

They also often offer rebates on energy-efficient products like LED lights, smart thermostats, and more. All you have to do is ask!

7. Use Tech to Track and Trim Your Usage

Take advantage of free energy apps or online tools from your utility company. These programs let you track your daily usage, spot trends, and receive personalized tips on where you can cut back. It's like having a personal energy coach right on your phone.

Once you see where the energy’s going, you might start to feel more in control of your bill—and more confident in the changes you’re making.

You Have More Power Than You Think

Small changes really do add up. Whether it’s adjusting your thermostat, running your washer later in the evening, or sealing up a few drafty windows, these tweaks can help you lower your electric bill without a major lifestyle overhaul.

And if you're thinking about buying or selling a home here in Brevard County, energy efficiency is something we can talk about together—because making a smart investment includes understanding how your home operates.

Got questions about your home or local energy programs? I'm always here to help. Reach out anytime—I’m just a call, text, or message away.

Source: Houselogic.com