As a Texan, you're no stranger to sky-high energy bills during the summer months. But what if you could save some serious cash on your energy bills? With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy a comfortable home while keeping your wallet happy.
Tired of wasting energy and money? Make a few adjustments to your daily routine and invest in some energy-smart appliances. You'll be saving money on utility costs in no time, and doing your part for the planet to boot!
For Texas homeowners, slashing energy bills is a top priority. The good news? You don't need to break the bank to make a difference. From flipping switches to investing in solar panels, we'll explore the most effective energy-saving tips to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven.
Living in Texas, I've learned the hard way that summer electric bills can be brutal. It's not just the heat that's unbearable, but the damage it does to my wallet. Luckily, I've discovered some handy saving tips that have made a real difference in my home and my bank account.
It's not about sacrificing comfort for savings. It's about being smart with your energy use. A few simple changes can add up to big savings on your utility costs. So, let's dive into some of my top energy efficiency tips for fellow Texans looking to beat the heat without breaking the bank.
For most Texans, the biggest energy hog in their home is their air conditioner. It takes a huge amount of energy to keep a home cool. This only compounds for larger homes or homes with two or more AC units.
Even if you have a smart thermostat, you should think about your settings and how they affect your electric bill. Every home is a little different but here is an easy-to-remember set of rules.
Think of insulation as your home's thermal armor. Without it, you're basically donating cool air to the neighborhood in the summer and warm air in the winter. Proper insulation in your attic, walls, and floors can significantly boost your home's energy efficiency, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.
Don't forget to give your windows and doors some TLC. Seal up any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to keep the air from sneaking out. And if your windows are old and drafty, it might be time to upgrade to some energy-efficient, low-E glass for better insulation.
If you aren’t sure where to start, try this simple test. Place your hand near a window or door seal. If you feel hot air (or cold air in the winter), you could potentially save 5-10% on your electricity bill with a quick trip to the hardware store and some cheap foam weatherstripping.
You’ve probably thought about turning off lights or appliances when they aren’t in use, but many modern appliances still use energy even when they are off. We call this phantom energy usage or standby power usage.
Gaming consoles, computers, Smart TVs, and phone chargers are the biggest culprits. Each one of these devices uses energy when it’s “off.” Unplugging them or using a smart plug to disable power can save you $5-10 per device each year.
Want to cut down on your energy bills? Start by making a simple switch: washing your clothes in cold water. It's a game-changer, as nearly 90% of your washing machine's energy goes into heating the water. By ditching the hot water, you'll not only reduce your energy consumption but also save some serious cash.
GOOD news for your wallet and wardrobe: modern detergents are now designed to get the job done in cold water, just like they do in hot water. And the perks don't stop there — washing in cold water is kinder to your clothes, helping them stay fresh and fabulous for longer.
The average Texan’s clothes dryer accounts for 6% of their total electricity usage. If you have a large family that requires constant washing and drying it can be closer to 15%.
While it may be a little less convenient, air drying your clothes can stack up substantial savings over time. Plus, clothes dry in record time during the hot Texas summer.
Your HVAC system's air filters are like the lungs of your home, trapping dust, allergens, and other particles to keep your air clean and healthy. But if you don't replace them regularly, they can become clogged and restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy.
Aim to replace your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and the level of use. Not only will this improve your system's efficiency and reduce your energy bills, but it will also extend the life of your HVAC and improve your indoor air quality. It's a simple task that can make a big difference.
One sneaky energy hog in your home is hot water, which guzzles a whopping 20% of your energy use. By making a few tweaks, you can shrink your hot water consumption and slash those energy bills.
Start by fixing those pesky leaky faucets and showerheads, which can waste hundreds of gallons of hot water per year. Then, install low-flow fixtures to conserve water without sacrificing pressure or performance. And to save even more energy, consider setting your water heater to 120°F – the recommended temperature by the Department of Energy, which will also help prevent scalding.
If you have a gas water heater you of course won’t save on your electric bill, but the same logic applies to your gas bill!
Okay this may sound like common sense, but we’ve seen some weird thoughts on this. Like this person on Reddit who claimed that ceiling fans cost $70 per day to run. This simply isn’t true. Ceiling fans cost pennies to run and can help you run your AC less which easily pays for the few cents to run them.
If you are really on a mission to reduce your electric bills you should try to understand your own habits. You can review your bill each month after adjusting thermostat settings, or trying various things in this post and finding out what works best for you.
If you prefer a faster approach consider getting an energy monitoring system like a Sense. This will give you a live look at your energy usage. You can turn certain appliances on and off and see what’s costing you the most.
As a savvy homeowner, I'm always on the lookout for ways to save money and reduce my energy bills. And one of the best ways to do that is by taking advantage of the many energy efficiency programs and incentives available to Texas residents.
From utility company rebates to government tax credits, there are countless opportunities to offset the cost of energy-saving upgrades and improvements. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why I always recommend doing your research and working with a trusted energy advisor to find the programs that are right for you.
Your utility company is a great place to start when it comes to finding energy efficiency incentives. Many providers offer rebates or discounts for purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances or installing smart thermostats.
You can also check the DSIRE database that aggregates incentive programs from various local and state agencies.
