ORLANDO, Fla. – Just like keeping your house cool in the summer can cost you more, staying warm by turning on the heat can cause your electric bill to rise too.

Normally utility companies are offering tips to save energy during the hot summers. Given the frigid temperatures we’re experiencing this week, Florida Power and Light is offering energy-saving (and money-saving!) tips for winter weather.

Many are similar to summer energy-saving tips, just in reverse.

1. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. FPL says this will save up to 5% on heating costs.

2. Avoid increasing the thermostat by more than two degrees at a time. This prevents the auxiliary heating from turning on accidentally. Using auxiliary heat for more than 12 hours a day can add up to $15 a day.

3. Use an electric blanket or a space heater to warm small areas of your home. Just make sure you don’t leave them on when you leave the room.

4. Open your drapes or blinds and let the sunshine in during the day. Be sure to close them at night to retain heat.

5. Make sure that the ceiling fans in your house are spinning clockwise. There is a switch on the fan that allows you to change the direction it spins. In the winter, you want it to spin clockwise, to push warm air down. And be sure to turn it off when you leave the room.

Bonus tip: Make sure your doors and windows are sealed properly to keep cold air out. If you have a gap on the bottom of your doors, something like an old towel can help stop that draft.

Many energy companies offer energy-saving inspections. Contact your energy company to find out what services are available.

FPL: Ways to Save

Duke Energy: Home Energy Check

Orlando Utilities Commission: Home Energy Audits

SECO Energy: Energy Efficiency

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