Sunshine State Stats, December 2017
December 2017 was colder than December 2016. The average temperature for December of 2017 was 64°, while December of 2016 had an average temperature of 67°. Rainfall for December of 2017 was 1.20 inches compared to last December at 0.45 inches.
There were 81 cooling degree days and 107 heating degree days for December 2017, while last year there were 125 cooling degree days with 66 heating degree days. The Degree Days are based on how much warmer or cooler the average temperature at a particular location is than 65°F. In other words, if the average temperature is 60° degrees outside on a particular day, there are 5 Heating Degree Days for that day in that location.
January 2018 is forecast to be colder and wetter than 2017. For those members with heat pumps, do not to raise the thermostat setting more that 1-2 degrees at a time when heating is being used. You will cause back-up heat strips (emergency heat) to engage – which could cost up to 5 times more per hour!
Cold weather and heating will increase electric usage and bills. Per ENERGY STAR, you can save 3-5% annually on heating costs for each degree lower you set the thermostat during the winter. And you can save up to $180 annually with a programmable thermostat.
If you want to check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and charts. If your usage is high, 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. If you want a member of our Energy Services team to come to your home to perform a free energy audit, contact us today to book an appointment.
