Florida Public Utilities Company

The Benefits of a HERS Evaluation for Your Florida Home

If you are looking for a way to reduce your energy bill while increasing the value of your home, consider a HERS Evaluation. HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System, and this rating will provide you with a comprehensive overview of your home’s overall energy efficiency. Let’s take a look at the benefits of a HERS evaluation for your Florida home:

Reduced Energy Costs

During your HERS evaluation, an approved inspector will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your home’s energy use. Along with an onsite inspection of your home, the inspector will look at your home’s construction plans. Using an energy efficiency software program, the inspector will analyze the design and energy use of your home. Using this analysis, the inspector will provide you with a HERS index rating as wells a comprehensive plan to help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your monthly energy bill.

Improved Home Comfort

Along with providing you with ways to reduce your energy consumption, a HERS evaluation will help you take steps to improve the comfort of your home. For example, if your HVAC system is not delivering cool air efficiently during the hot summer months, the HERS evaluation will provide you with an improvement plan. The more efficient your home is, the more enjoyable your living spaces will become.

Increased Resale Value

When your home has a HERS rating, potential buyers and realtors will be able to easily compare the energy consumption of your home with others on the market. If you make energy-efficient improvements to your home, you can significantly increase its resale value. By working to reduce home energy costs, a HERS rating will enhance the appeal and value of your home on the housing market.

To help you improve the energy efficiency of your home, the Florida Public Utilities Company is offering a free energy check-up, not related to HERS, for all of our customers. Call us at (888) 471-0413 to learn more about our free energy check-up program.

Natural Gas Efficiency Tip

Did you know that while you are away from home, your hot water heater will reheat its reservoir approximately every 30 minutes? If you are planning to go on vacation, turn the water heater setting to vacation mode to cut down on gas usage and save money. To learn more, watch this video from Build.com. 

For more information about natural gas efficiency, contact the Florida Public Utilities Company. Call us at (888) 471-0413 to learn more about our natural gas, electricity, and propane services. 

Exploring the Facts and Myths of Natural Gas

Natural gas is one of the most popular alternative energy sources in the United States. This clean-burning resource can be used to power and heat homes, provide fuel for automobiles, and more. Let’s learn more about natural gas by exploring the facts and myths surrounding this fuel:

Myth: Natural Gas is Not Environmentally-Friendly

In fact, natural gas is regarded as the cleanest type fossil fuel because it creates significantly lower emissions than other fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. When natural gas is burned to create energy, it produces lower levels of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Clean burning natural gas is also important for the production of sustainable energy sources, such as the creation of windmills to harness wind energy. 

Myth: Natural Gas is Not Produced Domestically

The United States is the second largest producer of natural gas in the world. Of all the natural gas consumed in the United States in 2011, 91% was produced domestically. In fact, the domestic gas reserves in the United States are so large, it is currently estimated that the U.S. has enough natural gas to meet demand for the next 100 years.

Fact: Natural Gas is More Affordable

Natural gas is an affordable energy source that has a diverse number of uses in residences, transportation, and manufacturing. The price of natural gas is currently 33% lower than conventional gasoline. As the prices of other fossil fuels continue to rise, natural gas will remain an environmentally-friendly and affordable energy source.

Fact: Natural Gas is Safe and Non-Toxic

When natural gas is in the air, it is transparent, odorless, and, most importantly, non-toxic. Natural gas is safe for use in homes, automobiles, and many other places. It can ignite if it comes into contact with an ignition source of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are interested in learning more about natural gas, contact the Florida Public Utilities Company by calling (888) 471-4013. As a leading energy provider in Florida, we are proud to serve Florida customers with natural gas, propane, and electric energy services.

What Is a Home Energy Checkup?

Saving energy is a common goal for homeowners and renters alike, because energy savings equate to lower energy bills. Florida Public Utilities Company can help you make the most of your energy savings with a free Home Energy Checkup.

When you schedule a Home Energy Checkup, an energy conservation representative will check common areas of energy waste—such as HVAC systems, water use, and lighting—and offer customized solutions to help you cut down on your energy use every day. While energy savings will be the primary goal of a Home Energy Checkup, we understand that you and your family want to remain comfortable and cool in your home, so we aim to offer solutions that will not sacrifice your comfort.

To have Florida Public Utilities help you accomplish your energy saving goals at home, contact us on our website or call (888) 471-0413. Our energy conservation experts will take the time to guide you through the factors that affect your family’s energy use so that you are able to keep your bills down every month.

The Basics of Home Energy Audits

A home energy audit can save you hundreds of dollars each year by suggesting energy-efficient upgrades for your home. During the audit, the inspector will use sophisticated equipment to evaluate your home’s energy use. After the home energy audit, the inspector will provide you with a list of improvements that will reduce your energy consumption. Your home will also be given a National Energy Assessment Standards rating from either the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). To learn more about home energy audits, watch this video from the US Department of Energy.

The Florida Public Utilities Company can provide you with a free energy check-up for your home. Call us at (888) 471-0413 to schedule an appointment today or to learn more about our natural gas, propane, and electric energy services.