Duke Energy Florida targets high-consumption appliances to curb summer bills

Air conditioners typically dominate home energy usage, but the company suggests that raising the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for eight hours daily can trim cooling costs by up to 10%. Following climate control, electric water heaters represent the next major expense. Setting these units to 120 degrees can yield a 6-10% reduction, while installing low-flow fixtures may cut hot water waste by up to 60%.

Efficiency gains extend to the kitchen and laundry room. For refrigerators, maintaining seals is critical; if a dollar bill placed in the door seal slips out, the gasket likely requires replacement. Meanwhile, washing machines and dishwashers offer savings through timing and settings. Running full loads during cooler morning or evening hours and opting for cold water or air-dry functions helps mitigate the heat and energy load on the grid. To track these adjustments, the utility provides mid-cycle Usage Alerts that allow customers to compare current consumption against previous years, providing a window to adjust habits before the billing cycle closes.