Weather plays a significant role in your energy usage. Read over the last few months Sunshine State Stats to determine if temperatures align with your energy consumption. This step is required.
SmartHub allows you to explore and interactively graph past usage to compare current to past years. Log in or establish an account today.
SECO Energy offers a High Usage Investigation to verify the meter reading and calculate the load. No need for an appointment, and at this time of Coronavirus concerns, SECO employees cannot enter the home and will call/email their followup. Actual investigation results will be emailed.
TEMPORARILY DISCONTINUED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CAUTION
Homeowners investing in energy efficiency home improvement projects would benefit from a free in-home energy audit with a qualified SECO Energy Services Specialist. The technician will inspect your windows, doors, appliances and heating/cooling unit to provide guidance on upgrading or replacing items to help you reduce your energy consumption. The Specialist will provide you with a report that details our recommendations. An appointment is required and you must be available onsite for this service.
April 2024 Sunshine State Stats
In April 2024, the average high and low temperatures continued to rise from last month as the arrival of warmer weather prevailed in Central Florida. The month’s average high temperature was 82 degrees, and the average low was 62 degrees, both measurements are 2 degrees lower than the “normal” averages as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE). The month’s highest temperature peaked at 90 degrees on the 19th and the lowest temperature was recorded on the 14th, when the mercury fell to 52 degrees.
Reported rainfall decreased significantly from the March total, dropping to 1.88 inches, nearly one inch less than normal for April. Measurable precipitation was limited to just 3 of 30 days, the rainiest day was April 3, when .8 inches fell.
Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport declined from the 2,227 strikes recorded in March. In April, WeatherSentry detected 593 cloud-to-ground strikes on just two days, the 3rd and 11th. The second half of the month was much less active with only nine strikes recorded on the 21st.
Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)
Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com
Cloud to Ground Lightning – April 1-14, 2024 (593 strikes)
Cloud to Ground Lightning – April 15-30, 2024 (9 strikes)
Florida residents know that thunderstorm activity will likely increase in the coming months, and SECO Energy reminds those who own a backup power generator to be sure the unit is in safe operating condition. In 2023, lightning was the single highest cause of power outages in SECO Energy’s service area. SECO offers a meter-based surge arrester designed to protect large appliances (motors and compressors) by reducing surges at the meter BEFORE they enter the home. Members can lease or purchase the Surge MitiGator surge protection program by filling out a contact form.
HVAC is the largest energy user in Central Florida homes, accounting for an average of 35 to 40% of kWh usage. As daytime temperatures are rising into the 80s and 90s, many households may notice an increase in energy costs. Be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for these warmer months. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees.
May forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
The Old Farmer’s Almanac weather outlook for May 2024 begins with sunny conditions and warm temps in the first week, changing to cooler temps and thunderstorms between May 8 and 12. A return to sunny and warm weather is forecast for May 13 to 17, followed by cooling conditions under sunshine through May 20. The last ten days of May are predicted to offer scattered thunderstorms amid warm temperatures.
Online Energy-Efficiency Tools
Log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts to check historical usage. If you want help in reducing your energy usage, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.
To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.
