Tips to Help You Conserve and Save

Your Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for nearly half of your bill. Set thermostats wisely, use fans, keep filters clean, schedule regular maintenance, and follow these tips to help keep costs down.

• Set your thermostat: 78°F in summer, 68°F in winter
• Raise/lower temperature gradually (1–2° at a time) to allow your AC unit to cycle off
• Use ceiling fans in warm months (they can make you feel 4° cooler)
• Set your thermostat fan to Auto (not On) to avoid creating additional moisture in your home
• Change air filters monthly (or as recommended)
• Keep vents clear of furniture/debris
• Schedule professional maintenance twice a year
• Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat
• Insulate attics and walls to keep hot/cool air where it belongs
• Consider ENERGY STAR HVAC systems when replacing your current system

Household appliances are some of the biggest energy users. Choose ENERGY STAR® models when possible, and follow these tips to get the most savings from the ones you use every day.

• Dishwasher
• Run only when full
• Use air-dry or energy-saving cycles if available
• Use the air-dry option if available or towel dry
• Washer & Dryer
• Wash full loads in cold water
• Use quick wash/small load settings as needed
• Clean lint trap before each use and exhaust line regularly
• Don’t overload dryer — and use the moisture sensor if available 
• Air-dry clothes when possible
• Refrigerator & Freezer
• Open/close quickly — don’t stand with the door open
• Keep freezer full for efficiency, a full freezer helps maintain the cold temperature
• Replace worn door seals to stop cold air leaks
• Water Heater
• Set temperature to 120°F
• Turn off if away for 2+ days
• Insulate tank and supply pipes
• Add a timer to reduce run times
• Cooking
• Use a microwave, slow cooker, or grill instead of an oven when possible. They use less electricity and add lesschen.
• Cook multiple dishes at once in the oven to save energy and time.
• Match pan size to burner size. Heat is wasted if you are using a pan that’s smaller than the burner.

Lighting can account for a big part of your bill, especially if you aren’t using energy-efficient bulbs. Our lighting tips will not only help you reduce your consumption, they’ll also help you increase your savings.

• Switch to LED or CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs
• Use motion-sensing outdoor lights to limit run-time of exterior light fixtures.
• Add solar lighting for walkways and porche
• Turn off lights when you leave a roo

From preventing wasted electricity to unwanted drafts in your home, these tips will help your savings add up.

• Unplug electronics not in use to prevent the small amount of electricity that appliances and electronic devices consume even when they are turned off or not actively in use (phantom load)
• Use power strips as a central shutoff point
• Turn on power-saving mode for TVs, computers, and gaming systems
• Close blinds/curtains to block summer heat
• Seal gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and wires
• Adjust pool pump runtime in cooler months
• Keep chimney flue closed when not in use

Household appliances can be a major source of water consumption. Following these tips will help you get the most out of your appliances without sacrificing savings.

• Run full loads of laundry and use cold water when possible
• Select the small load setting on your washing machine only when needed
• Run your dishwasher only when full
• When hand-washing dishes, don’t let the water run continuously

Toilets account for nearly a third of indoor water use—and leaks are a common culprit.

• Check for leaks: Running toilets are the #1 reason for high water use. Use the free JEA Water Conservation Kit (includes 2 toilet leak tablets)
• Inspect the rubber flapper in the tank for a tight seal (a quick fix can save 50%+ on water lost to leaks)
• Avoid cleaning tablets in the tank—they corrode the flapper and cause leaks
• Replace older toilets with WaterSense® labeled models: save up to 60% water, about $140/year, or $2,900 over the life of one toilet
• Check for rebates when replacing toilets

Drips and inefficient fixtures add up quickly. Keep your fixtures efficient:

• Repair leaks in faucets right away
• Install low-flow showerheads (2 included in the free JEA Water Conservation Kit)
• Add high-efficiency faucet aerators to kitchen/bath sinks (2 included in the free JEA Water Conservation Kit)
• Choose showers over baths: a 10-minute shower with a low-flow head uses less water than a full tub
• Turn water off while brushing teeth, shaving, or lathering hands

Outdoor water use adds up quickly, especially in Florida’s warmer months. Here’s how to save water without sacrificing a healthy yard:

• Use a shutoff hose nozzle or turn water off when not in use
• Choose Florida native or drought-tolerant plants
• Add mulch to reduce evaporation and keep soil moist
• Group plants with similar water needs for more efficient irrigation

A few system checks and upgrades can make a big difference:

• Install a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller for easy, remote management
• Make sure your rain or moisture sensor is working properly
• Inspect sprinkler heads and aim them toward plants, not sidewalks
• Fix or replace broken sprinkler heads (each one can waste up to 25,000 gallons in 6 months)
• Water only when needed, and no more than 2 days per week on your assigned days
• Avoid watering when it’s windy

Follow local watering schedules to conserve water and avoid fines:

Daylight Saving Time (Second Sunday in March – First Sunday in November)

• Odd-numbered or no address: Wednesday & Saturday
• Even-numbered address: Thursday & Sunday
• Non-residential property: Tuesday & Friday

Eastern Standard Time (First Sunday in November – Second Sunday in March)

• Odd-numbered or no address: Saturday
• Even-numbered address: Sunday
• Non-residential property: Tuesday