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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Make sure your cooling\/heating system is operating efficiently by having a contractor do annual checkups and claim a one-time $50 rebate from Lakeland Electric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Clear the area around your outdoor HVAC unit, so nothing is obstructing air intake. Airflow problems can reduce your system\u2019s efficiency by up to 15 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Leaking ductwork can cause you to air condition non-living spaces like attics, costing you money. Lakeland Electric offers a $150 rebate to residential customers who seal their ductwork with metal tape and mastic. Customers must have an inspection done by Lakeland Electric before the duct sealing takes place. Please call 863-834-9535 to schedule an appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Plant trees to shade windows or move container trees and plants in front of windows. By planting the right tree in the right place, customers can reduce energy use by up to 20% each year. Just be sure to avoid power lines!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Sealing air leaks can help your home feel more comfortable and improve energy efficiency, saving you money on energy bills. Simple fixes include installing weather stripping on doors and caulking around windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. If you want to splurge on a big gift to yourself, buy Energy Star\u00ae<\/a> appliances and get a Lakeland Electric appliance rebate<\/a>. You\u2019ll also save money on your bill with these energy-efficient appliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Increasing your attic insulation to R-30 or higher will reduce energy loss, and Lakeland Electric can help you do it through ReEnergize Lakeland Rebates<\/a>. Customers who upgrade their insulation are eligible for a $150 rebate<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Put our energy toolset to good use. Learn how<\/a> this tool can help you manage electricity and save money on your utility bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9. Use ceiling fans to improve air circulation. In the winter, make sure they\u2019re turning clockwise, and in the summer reverse the direction, but don\u2019t forget to turn them off when the room is empty. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when cooling your home. See how much each degree costs you by using our Energy Toolset<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11. Wash only full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer. Using hot water can add about 90 percent to the cost of each load, so consider using cold water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12. Clear your dryer vent regularly to prevent fires and improve efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13. Check your water heater temperature to ensure it is set no higher than 120 degrees; otherwise you\u2019re wasting energy. Also, consider a water heater timer and receive a $50 rebate<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14. In the spring, summer, and fall use shades, drapes, and blinds to keep the sun and heat out, especially on windows that face east or west. Open window covering during the winter to let heat in during the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 15. Replace old and inefficient incandescent lights with LED bulbs. They use substantially less electricity but emit brighter light, and they last up to 10 times longer. Energy analysts from Lakeland Electric will distribute up to three LED light bulbs to residential and small commercial customers who schedule an energy audit. Call (863) 834-9535 for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16. When it\u2019s cold in Central Florida, save money by setting the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or as low as is possible while you\u2019re awake and setting it lower while you\u2019re asleep or away from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17. On those rare cold winter nights, put on a cozy sweater and warm socks. You can also add an extra blanket or an electric blanket on the bed and lower your thermostat another degree or two to save even more energy and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18. If you\u2019re heating and cooling your home with an old HVAC system, then you\u2019re throwing money out the window. Upgrade to a heat pump rated 15 SEER or higher and you may qualify for a $200 rebate<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19. Change your A\/C filter every month! A dirty filter restricts airflow, making the system work harder to keep you warm or cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20. A smart or programmable thermostat will allow you to set comfortable temperatures while you\u2019re home and minimize heating or cooling when you\u2019re not. Receive a $50 rebate <\/a>when you install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n