Tips for reducing fuel bills

By Archive

Published: May 12, 2008

The cost of cooling and heating homes is going up for many area residents. Nonetheless, some steps can be taken to ease the blow.

Florida Public Utilities plans to enact the rate increase later this month. This may be the time to schedule an appointment with Mason Brock, the energy conservation specialist at FPU.

“We have three different rebate programs available,” Brock said. “The consultation is free to any of our customers.”

The programs include commercial lighting, heat-pump upgrade, and attic insulation.

“For an example, Jackson Hospital has just about completed its work in the rebate program and is up for a $5,600 rebate,” Brock said. “We’re always promoting energy audits. They are free. You just need to schedule an appointment.”

Brock said conserving energy sometimes takes physical improvements to a home or business, or simply some common sense.

“A lot of energy conservation is something you can figure out,” Brock said. “Better insulation, doing something about drafts and being careful not to leave on lights unnecessarily are just part of it.”

One of the main features to watch in your home is how a heating/cooling thermostat is set. The latest recommendation is 78 degrees in the summer and 68 in the winter. Using those settings consistently can reduce a typical energy bill by 15 percent.

Brock also recommends using a timer on the hot water heater, not leaving on televisions and video players, and always turn out more lights.
“It starts with the heating and cooling. Watch how you set the thermostat, it’s big money,” Brock said.

Anyone seeking an energy conservation consultation should call Brock at 526-6831 to schedule an appointment.