Save on Electricity in Texas This Summer
Summertime bills for electricity in Texas tend to soar with the mid-day temperatures, causing homeowners and apartment dwellers alike to seek some kind of financial relief. When your electric bill starts heating up this summer, try some of these useful ways to cool it back down:
Use Portable Fans and Ceiling Fans
While fans don't cool the air, they do help it to circulate, making your air conditioning more efficient and allowing you to raise the thermostat by a few degrees. Look for energy efficient models rather than decorative ones, to get the most bang for your electric buck.
Clean or Replace Your Filters
When the filter on your air conditioning unit gets clogged, it restricts the flow of air, causing your air conditioner to work much harder for diminished results. Ensure optimal airflow by keeping your filters squeaky clean.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
You can save hundreds of dollars in energy costs just by setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when nobody's home, especially during hot workday afternoons. Plan more weekend outings, to the beach, community swimming pool or campgrounds, and you'll save even more.
Use Window Coverings
Covering your windows and closing your blinds will help you beat the heat this summer, by keeping out the sun's sizzling rays. Consider installing reflective film on large picture windows for even more savings. Better yet, beautify your yard, save the planet and cool your home all at the same time by planting shade-giving shrubs and trees nearby.
Lights Out
Turning off lights - and other appliances - when you're not using them will not only save you money, but you'll feel cooler when rooms aren't quite as brightly lit. If you're still using old fashioned incandescent bulbs, be sure to trade them in for the new CFL models. If you play your cards right, you might even find a community organization or electric company that will trade you new CFLs for your old bulbs.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances, such as Energy Star refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers and more will save you loads of money, not just on your electric bill but on your water bill as well. As much as half of your electric bill goes into heating and cooling your home, so even if your new energy-efficient air conditioner only saves you ten percent - well, you do the math!
Even though the cost of electricity in Texas is at an all time low, it's just as important as ever to be conservative with the planet's natural resources, for the good of your wallet and for the good of the planet.