Just in time for South Florida’s simmering summers, Florida Power and Light is offering a program that may cool utility bills.

FPL is sending representatives to homes to check for leaks in air conditioning ducts — a problem that accounts for one of the largest areas of energy waste.

“The program is a win-win situation, ” said Nancy Francis, FPL field supervisor for the duct program. “When the ducts are identified and repaired, consumers win a lower electrical bill. We benefit by reducing the amount of demand on our existing system.”

More than 70 percent of Florida homes have leaks in their ductwork, Francis said.

“Leaks are one of the big problems in home efficiency,” said Chuck Walker, general manager of Climate Control Services of Delray Beach. “As the summer months roll around with leaks, the air conditioner works harder and does not cool as well.”

And not just room temperatures and sweat glands are affected by leaks. Consumers could see a 10 percent to 12 percent increase in their utility bills, depending on the size of the leaks, Francis said.

Additionally, leaks affect comfort and indoor air quality, according to the Florida Solar Energy Center.

FPL early last year began home testing as part of an energy conservation program. Francis projects that more than 11,000 residents will have their homes tested and 7,000 repairs made from Boca Raton to Sebastian.

The FPL Duct System Test is open to homeowners who living in a single-family, detached home with a central heating and/or cooling system offering sufficient access to the ducts. The test costs $30.

An FPL representative places a fan into an exterior doorway, pressurizing and depressurizing the home so leaks in the ductwork can be detected.

A report will identify all leaks in the system and make recommendations for repairs. Homeowners who make the suggested repairs through a participating independent contractor qualify for up to $225 in FPL incentives toward the repair bill.

For more information, call 1-800-AIR-LEAK or 1-800-DIAL-FPL (1-800-342-5375) and ask for the Duct System Test.

COOL SUMMERS

South Florida is no stranger to hot summers or costly air conditioning bills. Consumers have no control over the weather, but can take these steps to decrease the bills:

— If you are away from home for several hours, set your air conditioning thermostat between 78 and 80 degrees.

— Check and clean the air filter on your air conditioner monthly during the cooling season.

— Set humidistat at 65 percent for proper moisture control.

— Have the A/C refrigerant, belts and coils checked during an annual service tune-up.

— Make sure your home is properly insulated.

— Check air ducts for tight joints and good insulation — cool air leaking into a hot attic costs money.

— Caulk and weatherstrip your home.

— Keep air circulating with ceiling or oscillating fans. This will enable you to set your air conditioning thermostat at a higher setting, saving money and energy.

— Close drapes, blinds and curtains on windows facing the sun. This will reduce the heat coming in.

— Solar screens and window tinting also reduce incoming heat.

SOURCES: Florida Power & Light Co. and Climate Control Services