Tips for Lowering Energy Usage During the Hot Texas Summer

Ever wonder why your electricity bill increases in the summer months, even though you haven’t changed anything in your home?  The answer may lie in the question—when the temperature outside is hitting the century mark as it has been here in Texas, your home appliances have to work extra hard to keep your home cool.

Ever wonder why your electricity bill increases in the summer months, even though you haven’t changed anything in your home?  The answer may lie in the question—when the temperature outside is hitting the century mark as it has been here in Texas, your home appliances have to work extra hard to keep your home cool.  Follow the simple steps for houses or apartments below to see a drastic improvement in your energy use:

1. Stop air leaks: Caulk or weather strip doors and windows.
2. Have A/C units serviced at least every other year.
3. Replace air filters every month in the summer.
4. Raise your thermostat: Set to 78° or higher when at home and at least 85° when you are not.  You can save up to 6-8% off your bill for each degree the thermostat is set above 72°.  And if you use a ceiling fan, you can raise the setting about 4° with no reduction in comfort.
5. Install a programmable thermostat to save energy while you are away from home.
6. Replace light bulbs in your highest usage lights with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), which are 72% more efficient.  You can buy these and other energy-saving items at our Power Perks store.
7. Turn down your water heater to 120° and make sure it is well-insulated.
8. Wash only full loads of clothes using cold water and air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer.
9. Wash only full loads of dishes and let them air dry instead of using the heat cycle to dry them.
10. Set your refrigerator temperature between 30° and 42° and your freezer between 0° and 5°.  Keep your refrigerator full to reduce the amount of cold air lost each time you open the door.