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Although Florida rarely encounters extreme cold, many households may notice their energy costs creeping up between January and February.

Even if the state experiences milder winters than most parts of America, the colder months can still bring a fair share of surprises. Cold fronts, temperature fluctuations, and the occasional freeze forecast may have you turn up the heat on your HVAC and plumbing systems.

If you’re concerned about your energy bills for the months leading up to spring, there’s no need to worry. It’s entirely possible to maintain your comfort indoors while keeping your energy and water bills under control. Here are some of our recommendations.

Why Winter Utility Bills Can Still Increase in Florida

Florida’s weather is mainly characterized by hot temperatures and rain for most of the year. However, it can still be subjected to colder temperatures during the winter months.

Thanks to humidity, winter temperatures in Florida can feel much colder than the thermometer readings suggest. On top of that, temperature fluctuations are common: mild afternoons are sandwiched between colder mornings and evenings. People are also likely to be indoors during winter compared to other times of the year.

These factors set the stage for higher energy use from December through March. Consequently, energy use can climb quietly as people try to stay warm.

Now that we know some of the factors that could lead someone to use more energy to stay comfortable during the winter, it’s time to discuss the first steps to manage that energy use.

Let’s cover the ways that you can keep your home energy efficient during these seasonal shifts.

Optimize Your Thermostat for Mild Winter Temperatures

While heating systems don’t typically have to work overtime during Florida winters, their convenience and comfort will be a welcome relief when a cold front arrives. At the center of your HVAC is the thermostat, which regulates the temperature throughout your home. Making small adjustments to the thermostat can make a meaningful difference, especially with your energy costs.

Start by lowering your thermostat a few degrees while you’re away from home. After all, if nobody is inside to enjoy the heat, it’s almost like burning money for nothing.

Try to avoid adjusting your thermostat frequently during the day. This can cause your HVAC system to cycle sporadically, which uses more energy than usual.

If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, make your energy use more predictable. Program the settings so that temperature adjustments are made according to your schedule.

These modest adjustments can reduce energy use without noticeably affecting indoor comfort. Next, we’ll talk about how you can make your spaces feel warmer without relying too much on your heating system.

Reduce Heating Costs Using Your Ceiling Fan and Rooms

Let’s talk about ceiling fans now. These humble appliances aren’t just for the summer months. A ceiling fan circulates air in a room, which makes the area feel warmer or cooler.

Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise at the lowest speed possible. Fans with this combination will push warm air downward, making the room feel warmer. Using your ceiling fan to warm a room also means that you’ll be less reliant on adjusting your thermostat.

You can take warming rooms a step further, too. After you’ve set up your thermostat and turned on the fan, close the doors to the rooms you are occupying. Smaller spaces warm up faster than larger ones. Closing the doors also prevents warm air from escaping.

These simple habits can go a long way toward enhancing your comfort while reducing your dependence on a constantly running HVAC system.

Be Mindful of Water Usage During Cooler Months

Your water heater also works a little harder during the winter. Hot water use often increases during these months, especially for showers, laundry, and dishwashing.

While your water heater may not have been the center of attention during the summer, you may notice it even more during the cooler months. As a result, it can save you money in the long run if you remain mindful of your water usage.

It is possible to manage water heating costs without sacrificing comfort. Here are a few tips you can apply now.

First, lower the water heater temperature slightly to a level that’s still comfortable to you. Even a one-degree adjustment can make a significant difference in savings. A lower temperature means the water heater doesn’t have to cycle as long, reducing energy use.

Next, make a slight adjustment to your laundry routine by only using cold water whenever possible. Compound the energy savings further by waiting until you can nearly fill the basket with clothing. Doing laundry in larger batches saves both water and energy.

While Florida winters are short and mild, this time of year offers opportunities to save. When you understand seasonal energy patterns and adapt accordingly, it’s possible to keep utility bills predictable and manageable.

The savings add up, freeing up your budget for other priorities. With a few simple changes to your usage habits, you might notice a difference all season long.

First Florida is your partner in making practical, financial changes that make a difference. Visit our Featured Articles section for more tips and tricks that make saving part of your daily life.