From using blinds to block the summer sun to washing clothes in cold water, there are several energy-saving tips that can help lower the cost of electric bills this time of year.
Jorge Howell, energy services administrator with SECO Energy, shared energy-savings tips and information about how to recognize utility scams during Power Up Your Knowledge with SECO Energy on Sept. 16 at E.C. Rowell Public Library in Webster.
The goal of the open house-style program is to connect the public with an educated professional who can offer practical advice on reducing energy costs and tips on being prepared for hurricanes, Howell said.
“This is the time of year that people have a lot of questions about having high bills and it’s usually because of the air conditioner, which contributes to 50% or 60% of the bill,” he said.
The biggest tip that most people could benefit from, according to Howell, is adjusting their thermostats to the right temperature at the right time.
“We recommend that you set your thermostats to 78 degrees or higher in the summer,” he said. “If you have it set at a lower temperature, (the air conditioner) will come on more often, which will cause more usage and you will have a higher bill.”
Howell also said setting the temperature higher can help people save energy when they aren’t home.
“You don’t need a cold house for eight hours when there is no one at home,” he said. “If you turn the air conditioner up during that time, you can save money. You can also save energy and money by turning off fans when you aren’t in the room.”
Howell shared several other tips to help lower energy bills, including keeping the thermostat fan set at auto, changing the HVAC filter monthly, using the air-dry setting on dishwashers and replacing light bulbs that are turned on often with more energy-efficient LED bulbs.
Consumers also can calculate the energy usage of common household appliances such as a coffee maker or dryer using an energy estimator calculator. SECO’s interactive estimator on its website helps homeowners identify which household appliance or electronics may be driving up their energy bills.
Howell shared more than just tips on saving money, he also shared tips on how to stay safe during the hurricane season.
He said it’s important for residents to prepare and have a plan in place during the season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Howell advised attendees to not move fallen power lines and to use the SECO Energy Storm Center website to report or check for an electrical outage.
Howell also warned about the rise in utility scams. Elder fraud cost seniors in Florida $710 million in reported losses in 2025, according to the FBI.
Larry Moran, manager of the Seniors vs. Crime Wildwood office, said local seniors should look for red flags to protect themselves from scams where someone is claiming to work for a company. He said if a person gets an unsolicited call from someone claiming to work for a company and it’s accompanied with a threat, such as your power will be shut off if you don’t send money now, it’s likely a scam.
“You shouldn’t respond, but contact the company, like SECO Energy, and ask if the information is accurate,” Moran said.
Howell shared similar advice.
“We always encourage people that when in doubt, ask the individual for an ID and call SECO,” he said. “We will confirm the information for you. It’s also important to know that we will never knock on your door to sell you anything.”
Residents who missed the recent Power Up Your Knowledge with SECO Energy event still have a chance to get answers to their energy-related questions from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Panasoffkee Community Library, 1500 County Road 459, Lake Panasoffkee. Registration is not required for the free program.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
