December in Sarasota means holiday cheer and cooler weather, but for many homeowners, it also brings a surprisingly high FPL bill.
Many people ask, “I barely used the heat! Why is my FPL bill twice as high as it was in the summer?”
The real problem usually isn’t your Christmas lights. It’s a setting on your thermostat called “Emergency Heat” or AUX Heat, and using it incorrectly can be very expensive.
The “Emergency Heat” Trap!
The “Toaster” in Your Ceiling
Most Florida homes use a heat pump, which is very efficient. But heat pumps sometimes need help when it gets really cold, so they come with a backup heat source called “Heat Strips.”
These strips work like the coils in a toaster or hair dryer, using electric resistance to make heat. They heat your home quickly, but they are very expensive to run and can cost three to four times more than your regular heat pump.
The 2-Degree Rule
Here is the most common mistake we see:
It’s a chilly morning (58°F inside), and you want to be cozy, so you walk over to the thermostat and crank it up to 72°F.
You just fell into the trap.
Most thermostats are set up to respond like this: “The homeowner wants to raise the temperature by 14 degrees. The heat pump is too slow for that. I need to turn on the expensive Emergency Heat to warm things up quickly.”
Suddenly, you’re spending much more to heat your home, and you might not notice until your next bill arrives.
How to Save Money: Patience Pays Off
To avoid triggering the expensive heat strips, follow the 2-Degree Rule:
For example, if your home is at 68°F and you want it warmer, set your thermostat to 70°F first. After it reaches 70°F, raise it to your desired temperature, like 72°F, waiting for each step before increasing it again.
- Current temp: 68°F.
- Set it to: 70°F.
- Wait for it to reach 70°F.
- Then set it to 72°F.
This method makes your system use the efficient heat pump instead of the costly “toaster” strips.
Is Your System Using “AUX” Heat on Its Own?
If you notice the “AUX” or “EM Heat” light turns on, and you didn’t raise the temperature by more than 2 degrees, your heat pump might be broken or struggling with the weather. This could mean your system is inefficient or getting old.
Stop Paying a Huge FPL Bill for Wasted Heat!
Modern Inverter Systems, such as the Daikin models we install, are so smart and efficient that they almost never rely on costly heat strips, no matter how cold it gets. Upgrade now to stop overpaying.
If you are tired of high winter bills, don’t wait. This is your chance to act before another expensive month arrives.
Our “Greatest Offer of All Time” is live until December 31st:
- Save up to $4,000 Total ($2K Tax Credit + $2K Instant Rebates)
- No Payments & No Interest for 6 Months
- 12-Year Parts & Labor Warranty Included
Don’t let high bills spoil your holidays. Call D&D Air at (941) 297-0089 for a free estimate.
