7 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills in Central Florida

Set Your Thermostat Strategically

The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and raising it when you’re away. Every degree below 78°F adds to your energy costs — and in a Central Florida summer, that adds up fast.

A programmable or smart thermostat makes this effortless. Set it to cool down before you arrive home so you never walk into a hot, humid house, and let it ease up while you’re at work or asleep.

Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home

Gaps around windows, doors, and ductwork allow cooled, dehumidified air to escape and hot, humid outside air to infiltrate. Common trouble spots include:

• Weather stripping around doors
• Caulking around windows
• Duct connections in attics and crawl spaces
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls

Sealing these leaks lowers cooling costs and makes your home noticeably more comfortable — and less humid.

Use Ceiling Fans to Supplement Your AC

Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air — they create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel several degrees cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat setting while maintaining the same comfort level.

Remember: fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave to save electricity.

Keep Your AC System Maintained

A well-maintained AC or heat pump system runs far more efficiently than a neglected one. At minimum, change your air filter every 1–3 months and schedule professional maintenance at least once a year — ideally before peak cooling season.

During a maintenance visit, your technician will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure all components are operating at peak efficiency.

Block Solar Heat Gain

The Florida sun beating through your windows can significantly increase your cooling load. Simple strategies to reduce solar heat gain include:

• Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows during peak hours
• Install reflective window film
• Use light-colored curtains that reflect rather than absorb heat
• Consider planting shade trees on the south and west sides of your home

Use Your Kitchen and Bathroom Wisely

Cooking and hot showers add heat and humidity to your home, forcing your AC to work harder in a climate that’s already humid. Year-round:

• Grill outdoors instead of using your oven
• Run the dishwasher and laundry during cooler evening hours
• Use exhaust fans when cooking and showering to remove heat and moisture
• Consider meal prep that doesn’t require the oven

Consider a System Upgrade

If your AC or heat pump system is more than 10–15 years old, upgrading to a modern high-efficiency unit can meaningfully cut your cooling costs. Today’s systems use advanced compressor technology and eco-friendly refrigerants that handle Central Florida’s heat and humidity far better than older equipment.

CeeBee Air Conditioning has been serving Apopka families since 1976, and we install and service all major brands, including Trane. Call 407-886-7046 for a quote on a new system — in many cases, the monthly energy savings help offset the cost over time.