Texas summer heat is no joke—and neither are summer electric bills! Whether you’re training for a half marathon outdoors or just trying to survive indoors, summers in Texas are sweltering.
How can Texans stay cool while conserving energy and reducing electric bills? Is it even possible? With the right summer energy saving tips, you can enjoy the warmer temperatures without giving all of your money to the electric company when paying your electric bills.
Keep reading to learn how to beat the heat and conserve energy!
Check the Thermostat
Setting thermostat in summer can be tricky! A moderate setting can help you reduce your energy costs. If your a/c blows continuously throughout the day, check the thermostat. It’s either set too low, or your air conditioner isn’t working correctly.
- If the thermostat stays at a temperature too low, your compressor won’t be able to blow enough cold air to make your room temperature match the thermostat. The more your a/c trie to blow air, the higher your electric bill climbs.
- If the thermostat shows a reasonable temperature, but the a/c keeps blowing, you might need to call a repair service.
When your a/c doesn’t stop blowing, you risk ruining the compressor or burning out the motor. You might need to sacrifice a little bit to set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature. You’ll stay comfortable, your a/c gets to rest throughout the day, and you’ll appreciate a lower energy bill!
While at home, set your thermostat to 78°. It’s the setting most widely accepted as the most efficient temperature for house in summer! If you’re away from the house, raise the temperature a few degrees.
Call For Service
If you suspect that your a/c isn’t cooling properly, call for service. It’s a good idea to have an HVAC specialist check your system in the spring before the temperatures get too hot.
While they check your system, they’ll perform routine maintenance and make sure everything works properly. Sometimes a tune-up can get your a/c back on track and cooling as it should.
Your HVAC specialist can also let you know if the unit needs a more significant repair. Take care of it before the summer gets too hot. The more warm air your a/c blows, the higher your summer electric bills climb.
Change the A/C Filter
When your a/c works well, it’s essential to keep it in good condition. Changing the filter every one to three months is one of the best ways to make sure your air conditioner can circulate air efficiently throughout your home.
Set a reminder to change the filter on a schedule. Choose a filter that’s the right size and MERV rating to keep the air clean in your home.
Get More Fans—And Use Them
Fans are an excellent way to circulate air throughout your home. Moving air can help reduce the “stuffiness” in your home from the Texas heat and humidity.
While fans don’t provide cold air, they help keep air moving in a way that makes a room feel cooler. Fans are also energy efficient! When used in combination with your a/c set at a reasonable temperature, fans help make your home comfortable throughout the summer.
A ceiling fan is ideal for moving air in a large room. They’re quiet and affordable. Choose a box fan or oscillating fan for smaller rooms or areas where a ceiling fan isn’t ideal.
Compare Rates
If you’re doing all you can do to cut energy usage throughout your home, but your bills still seem high, it might be time for a new electricity provider.
Research electric companies and compare rates. If you’re at the end of your contract with your current provider, consider switching to a company with lower rates. You won’t experience a disruption in service, but you can save money on your monthly energy bills.
Don’t Cook Indoors
Running the stove and oven in your kitchen creates more heat in your home! Summer is a great time for outdoor picnics and using the grill for your meals.
Choose a few nights during the month to eat out at your favorite restaurant. Enjoy their a/c, an excellent meal, and refreshing drinks while reducing the amount of heat in your home.
Seek A/C Elsewhere
When you’re not home, you can give your air conditioner a break. Enjoy the air conditioner at the mall, a movie theater, or your favorite spot away from home. Remember to turn your thermostat up a few degrees before you leave!
Seal Windows and Doors
Help your air conditioner keep your home cool by sealing out the hot air. Take a walk around your home with a caulking gun and some caulk or use weather stripping. Fill cracks in the sealant around windows and doors.
Look for holes in the siding or underneath the eaves of your roof. If you find a hole, call a roofing contractor who can patch a hole to keep the heat—and rodents—out of your attic!
Close the Blinds
The summer sun can brighten a room after a gloomy day. It can also heat the temperature in the room. As much as you might want to let the light in, keeping your blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day can help reduce the heat in your home.
There’s no need to live in the dark, but reducing the amount of sunlight that comes through the window can help you beat the heat.
Plan Your Winter Vacation
Think cold! Sometimes focusing your mind on a cooler climate can help you feel cooler without turning the thermostat down any further. Think about snow or heading north for a winter getaway to help you feel cooler.
Stay Cool With These Summer Energy Saving Tips
Summer energy saving tips don’t mean you have to sweat your way through the summer. Stay cool, and reduce your energy bills at the same time!
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