Summer break might be officially over, but this doesn’t mean that the summer temperatures are. While most of us are getting back into the school routine, it is important not to forget to continue to make adjustments to reduce our energy bills.
We recently partnered with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to share with you some Back-to-School energy saving tips to start the new school year with an A+ in energy savings.
Saving energy is always good but what about a fun challenge? Keep reading to learn more about FPL’s #BeatTheHeat challenge, where you and I can win an energy efficiency prize pack value of $450.
And hey and if you are in the South Florida area, come join me at the Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami on September 8 for a fun Cooling Station event, I tell you more about it below.
Having school-age children is not easy on anyone’s pocket, this is why my wife and I have implemented a few strategic adjustments for the back-to-school season to help keep our energy bill down. Here are three simple back to school energy saving tips that have worked for us and can work for you as well.
Back to School Energy Saving Tips
1. Buy EnergyStar products
This year, our eldest son is starting high school, which means he will be required to do a lot more research projects and homework assignments online. Because of this, my wife and I decided to upgrade his laptop to an ENERGY STAR certified computer. These products are certified as high-efficiency and low-energy devices that require up to 80 percent less power than those that are not certified.
So, if you are considering upgrading, make sure to always look for the Energy Star label to save energy. Another step we took to save on our energy bill was to opt for a multi-function inkjet printer, which costs a lot less if it is left on all year versus a laser printer.
2. Manage your A/C settings
Previously, I mentioned that FPL recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees for energy savings and keep in mind that every degree you raise it can save you five percent on monthly cooling costs. So, with the kids back in the classrooms, there is no need to keep your thermostat set to less than 78 degrees. Go ahead and turn up your thermostat a few degrees while the kids are in school.
3. Household energy savings challenge
Challenges are fun and why not challenge your family to energy savings. Chances are that when the kids are away, no one will be using their electronics. So, while the family is busy during the day and sleeping during the night, challenge your kids to unplug and powered off their electronics when they are done using them.
#BeatTheHeat Challenge
A few weeks ago, FPL invited me, as well as a few other Miami influencers, to participate in FPL’s #BeatTheHeat challenge. Now through September 15, we will be showing you exactly how we implement our tips to reduce our energy bill, as well as how we keep track of our energy usage by using some of FPL’s available tools.
During the #BeatTheHeat challenge, the top performing influencer will have the opportunity to win a non-profit energy makeover and energy efficiency prize pack valued at $450. But wait, I am not alone on this challenge and that’s because you will also have the chance to win.
If I am the top performing influencer, ONE of you, will also win an energy efficiency prize pack, which includes an Ecobee4 value of $250, LED bulbs/smart plugs/power strips value of $100 and a $100 Home Depot gift card.
So, how can we make this happen? Well, the influencer who wins will be determined based on engagement (likes, shares, and comments – using tracked hashtag #BeatTheHeat). So, all you have to do is follow along and engage with me via DadBlogsAbout’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Hey, you can even share with us your own energy-saving efforts, just make sure to tag us and use the hashtag #BeatTheHeat
FPL’s Cooling Station Events
As I mentioned above, if you are in Miami and surrounding areas, I am personally inviting you to cool off and beat the summer heat at FPL’s Cooling Station happening at the Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami.
FPL’s Cooling Station event will be happening on September 8 and 9 from 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m at Museum Plaza located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132. This event is not only the perfect way to cool down but you can also enjoy Free admission during Free Second Saturdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and Downtown Art Day.
If you aren’t able to make it to the Frost Museum of Science, you can still be part of the fun and visit the Cooling Station on September 22 and 23 happening at Zoo Miami. Hey, you can enjoy Free admission to Zoo Miami on Saturday through the Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Live. For more information on either of these events, please visit FPL’s Beat The Heat Webpage here.
Before we go, remember that replacing older appliances and electronics with new energy efficient ones can help you save money. Take the Online Home Energy Survey to learn more ways to save and get a chance to win a $10,000 Smart Home Energy Makeover. For more info and to enter the sweepstakes, FPL’s Beat The Heat Webpage here. One more thing, I would love to hear your own tips on how to #BeatTheHeat during the back to school season, chime in via the comment section below.