The heat is on. Here are our top ways to stay cool and save money too.

The heat is on. Here are our top ways to stay cool and save.

Florida's heat can push air conditioners into overdrive, leading to higher energy use and higher electric bills. Our Top Ten tips can help you stay cool while saving energy and money. Check them out and keep your home comfortable while you save on electricity.

Tampa Electric's Top 10 summer tips:

1. Give Your A/C Some TLC
   Your A/C runs hard in the summer heat. Help it stay efficient by regularly cleaning or replacing your A/C filters - that alone can reduce your A/C's energy use by up to 15%. Have your evaporator coil cleaned yearly to keep your system running efficiently.Learn more tips and tricks to cool your summer bill.

1. All About the Thermostat
   Setting your thermostat to 78°F while you're home is a sweet spot. Every degree lower can increase your cooling costs by about 7%. With a programmable thermostat, you can adjust your home's temperature while you're away or set up a daily schedule for easy, hands-off savings.

1. Easy Breezy
   When you can, take advantage of cooler days by opening windows to create a cross-breeze and naturally ventilate your home - no A/C needed.

1. Cool Off with Ceiling Fans
   Fans don't lower room temps, but they do make youfeel cooler. This means you can raise your thermostat by 4 degrees and still feel comfortable. Just remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room - fans cool people, not rooms.

1. Take It Outside
   Skip the oven on hot days and grill outdoors instead. It keeps your kitchen cool and adds sizzle to your summer meals. Air fryers, microwaves and toaster ovens can be helpful too.

1. Block the Heat
   Install energy-efficient window treatments like blinds, shades or films to reduce heat gain.

1. Seal Up Air Leaks
   Cracks and gaps around doors and windows can let hot air in. A little caulk can go a long way to keep your cool air in and prevent your money from slipping out.

1. Lower Water Heating Costs
   Set your water heater to 120°F and turn it off if no one will be home for more than two days. Install low-flow showerheads to save both energy and water without sacrificing comfort.

1. Seal Your Ductwork
   Leaky ducts can waste up to 20% of your A/C's energy. Sealing and insulating ducts help your system run more efficiently while cutting your cooling costs.

1. Get a Free Energy Audit
   For personalized tips for your home, sign in to your Tampa Electric account and complete an online energy audit. Or call 813-275-39909 to schedule a free in-home energy audit conducted by one of our energy experts. An energy audit may be the smartest tip of all to maximize savings - and it's free!