FPU Blog

Well, it is that time again. The first early morning cold snap has come to Florida. This caused me to think about customer calls wondering why utility bills have risen. The cost to heat a home is actually higher than the cost to cool a home. Fortunately for us here in Florida, heating is a very small percentage, approximately only 8% of our total energy costs. In northern states the cost of heating is their number one energy expense.

Topics: Energy Conservation, Residential, Natural Gas, natural gas appliances, florida

I had an interesting experience this past week; I would like to share with you. I had an appointment to go to a customer’s home and perform an energy audit. An energy audit is where a trained professional comes in and looks at all your home’s energy uses. I examine everything about the home, insulation levels, window quality, and examine all the equipment in the home.

Topics: Energy Conservation, Residential, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency, natural gas appliances, home remodel, tankless water heaters, Upgrades, Natural Gas Water Heaters, How To's

Pool heating is not a one size fits all proposition. There are many homes with swimming pools in Florida and with our climate the swimming season may be all year long. I get many questions about pool heating and the best way to heat your pool.

 

Topics: Residential, Natural Gas, propane, electric, Pool Heaters, summer

Many times over the past several years while investigating high utility bills, I’ve discovered a hidden culprit to escalated energy costs! This thief has been found in both residential and commercial situations but especially in restaurants.

Topics: Energy Conservation, Residential, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency, Commercial, propane

I have the privilege of helping our customers solve the riddles when they feel their utility costs are too high. It is often a challenge to really get to the bottom of a high bill, especially when on first look there is nothing out of the ordinary. I will tell you about three common areas that will cause your utility bills to rise. In each case, you will have some options to counter the impact with a conservation tip.

Topics: Energy Conservation, Residential, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency, natural gas appliances

We are already into the season of day time high temperatures in the 90° range. Air conditioning is pretty much a necessity in Florida. So, what do you do when your air conditioner needs replaced? Often, we are more worried about our immediate comfort desiring just to get a new one quickly. It would be better to sweat a couple days and do your due diligence for long term comfort and efficiency. Air conditioning is your number one energy cost so it pays to do it right! I’ve got 3 tips for you when it comes time to replace your unit.

Topics: Residential, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency, summer

 

I recently investigated a high natural gas bill at a large condominium association in South Florida. There are two major lessons I have learned over the years concerning pool heaters in the summertime. This will be a short but helpful article.

Topics: Energy Conservation, Residential, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency, Commercial, natural gas appliances, Pool Heaters, summer

 

You may have received an advertisement like this or similar. There are others who use our state government rather than the federal government to hide behind. There is no U.S. Solar Department that is related to the government. Some companies’ use these practices to give their business a look of being connected to the government hoping to earn credibility. This particular ad may be a total energy/utility scam. Some like this are fronts for a real business that uses questionable marketing practices.

Topics: Energy Conservation, Residential, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency

Well folks, it’s that time of year again! Temperature’s rising, kids are out of school and electric meters are spinning like a crazy. For most Floridians, this is the costliest time of year. So, let’s discover 8 major ways you can save money on your monthly utility bill and still have a fun summer with the familiy!

Topics: Energy Conservation, Residential, Energy Efficiency, electric

I regularly get to observe the consequences when consumers fail to become energy skeptics. The sad reality is what many peddle as “Going Green,” only results in green going from your pocket to theirs. So, I offer you these five suggestions on how you can become savvier in your energy upgrades!

 

Topics: Energy Conservation, Residential, Natural Gas, Energy Efficiency