According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Florida consistently ranks above the national average in monthly residential electricity costs. In 2024, the average Florida electric bill was approximately $168 per month or $2,016 annually. Over 10 years, that’s more than $20,000. Determining how to cut down on your electric bill is important, but it’s surprisingly easy, thanks to electrical maintenance. Keeping up with it and learning more about the process could help significantly.
Professional Inspections Are Part of Maintenance
Professional electrical inspections, which should be done annually, are an important part of the maintenance process. However, there are other times when they’re also crucial, such as after a hurricane and when you’re in the process of buying a new vacation property, rental property, or forever home.
What Electricians Check During an Electrical Inspection
Our experienced electricians know exactly what to look for and check during a routine electrical inspection. Certain items we’ll assess include but aren’t limited to the electrical panel, outdoor and indoor outlets, indoor and outdoor lighting, and ceiling fans. We also check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to determine if they’re up to code and working properly.
We look for various types of existing damage and potential problems during an electrical inspection, such as frayed wiring, strange smells, physical damage, burn marks, and improperly working connections. If we determine there’s an issue, we’ll inform you immediately and recommend a reliable solution.
Electrical Problems Can Increase Your Monthly Bills
Issues like faulty wiring and damaged circuits can cause appliances to draw more power than necessary, leading to inefficient energy use. Having our team repair the electrical problems, both minor and more serious, can make a positive difference in your comfort, safety, and expenses.
What You Should Do Between Visits
Self-inspections are a vital part of electrical maintenance and keeping bills as low as possible. While we’re only there when you call us, you use your electrical system every day, which gives you a unique opportunity to catch small issues early. Aim to give your system a quick check at least once a week. Look for unusual signs like flickering lights, outlets that feel warm to the touch, or breakers that trip repeatedly. These can all be early warnings of larger electrical inefficiencies or safety concerns.
You should also listen for buzzing sounds near outlets or switch plates and take note of any lights that seem dimmer than usual. If you see these signs or anything that feels off, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call us to get a licensed electrician to inspect the system and correct the issue safely.
Can Pool Maintenance Help Me Save on My Electric Bill?
Pools, specifically their pumps, are major sources of energy use at many Florida homes. Having a pool specialist check your system can help you feel confident that it’s working properly, in good condition, and isn’t drawing more power than it has to. You can also ask the specialist if there are any upgrades you can make, such as switching to a different pump, that would improve energy efficiency.
Check Your Electric Bill
Many homeowners who have their bills set on autopay don’t check the changes every month, but it’s crucial to do so. It lets you spot potential electrical issues reflected in the numbers, such as a sudden cost increase, even if you didn’t change your habits. If there seems to be a problem, contact your utility provider so they can review your account, then contact us so we can do an inspection to assess the situation.
Salt Air and Moisture Affect Electrical Systems
Salt air and moisture can damage your home’s electrical system, driving up your bills in the process. The combination speeds up corrosion on outlets, wiring, and other components. The wear can cause appliances, especially ones that use a huge amount of power, to work harder than necessary. This strain results in increased energy usage and higher utility costs. Preventative maintenance can help protect your system, prevent damage, and get your energy bills under control.
Older Florida Homes May Be Prone to Electrical Issues
If you live in an older Florida home that hasn’t had significant electrical upgrades, there’s a good chance your utility bills are higher than they need to be. The older electrical components get, the more vulnerable they are to damage, and the less efficiently they work, increasing your bills. If you’re in an older home and the wiring is over 30 years old, replacing the old electrical wiring and other components might decrease your bills.
How a Smart Electrical Panel Can Help You Save Money
A smart electrical panel can be a powerful tool for reducing your electric bill. These panels give you real-time insight into how much energy each part of your home is using, allowing you to make smarter decisions. For example, you can identify the best times of day to run high-energy appliances, like your dishwasher or dryer, based on utility rate schedules. Some systems even allow you to automate or schedule usage to avoid peak hours.
Smart panels also help detect unusual patterns. If your water heater or HVAC system suddenly starts using more energy without any change in use, the panel can flag it. Catching these changes early can prevent expensive surprises and alert you to appliances that may need service or replacement.
Upgrading to a smart panel gives you more control and visibility over your home’s energy use. For many Florida homeowners, that control translates into consistent savings over time.
Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Lighting Can Cut Your Electric Bill
Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the simplest ways to reduce your electric bill in Florida. LED bulbs use a fraction of the electricity that incandescent bulbs do and typically last much longer. Over time, that translates into lower energy use and fewer replacements, both of which add up to savings.
Upgrading your indoor and outdoor lighting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our team can assess your current indoor and outdoor fixtures to identify where energy-efficient bulbs or new fixtures could make the most difference. Even a few changes can lead to a noticeable reduction in your home’s electricity use.
Common Sources of Energy Waste in Florida Homes
In Florida homes, some of the most significant contributors to high electric bills include air conditioners, refrigerators, and pool pumps, especially during the summer months when they work the hardest. They often run continuously, driving up energy use.
Another major source of energy waste is poor insulation and air leaks. When cooled air escapes through gaps around windows, doors, or in poorly insulated walls and attics, your cooling system must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Upgrading your insulation and sealing leaks throughout the home can reduce this strain and lead to noticeable savings on your electric bill.
Contact Your Local Professionals
Don’t let electrical issues around your home spike your bills. Top Flight Electric in Winter Haven, FL provides various electrical services to help minimize your bills, including inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced electricians.
