5 Ways Texas Homeowners Can Save on Electric Bills This Summer
While Summer isn’t here yet, it's definitely on the way. In only a couple of months, Texans could feel temperatures skyrocket into the 90s, possibly reaching triple digits. Not only do homeowners feel the heat, but so do their wallets.
While you may want to cut down on energy costs, you don’t want to sacrifice comfort (or your safety) during the peak of Summer. Here’s a couple ways you can lower your energy bill while keeping your home cool this summer:
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to cut down on your energy bill is to install a smart thermostat (also known as a programmable thermostat.) Smart thermostats are a great tool for keeping your energy bill low. These types of thermostats allow you to change the temperature, depending on the different times of the day.
This is a great option for homeowners who are working during the day or travel frequently. When you're not home, the smart thermostat can adjust the temperature. You can even set your thermostat seven to 10 degrees higher in the Summer, or lower in the Winter, reducing energy costs up to an estimated 10% per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
This is especially important in Summer when our AC units are working hard to combat the heat. If possible to use during the middle of the day, (when the sun is at its highest) the smart thermostat has the potential to save you money when you're not using your AC unit.
2. Keep Your HVAC System Efficient With Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is a simple, yet beneficial way to ensure your HVAC system is running in top-notch condition. The more efficient your system is, the less work it has to do to keep your home cool. Routine maintenance not only cuts down on your energy bill but also adds longevity to your system. Ultimately, you’ll save money both in the short term and long term.
Having a professional technician clean your HVAC systems and coils, check your refrigerant levels and perform routine inspections can improve your system’s efficiency. Additionally, changing your air filters on a regular basis (every one to three months) can make your system run better.
3. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Ventilated
Your AC unit has to work much harder if your home doesn’t have proper ventilation. To make sure you're home is getting the correct amount of airflow, you can:
- Keep your vents and registers open, (even in rooms you don’t use)
- Turn on your ceiling fans during summer (fans help circulate cool air)
4. Keep the Sun Out
There are several ways that you can block out the sun, which is particularly important during the middle of a summer day when the temperature tends to be at its highest. By reducing the amount of sunlight in your home, you can keep your rooms cooler, and in turn, set your thermostat higher.
Black-out curtains, blinds and reflective films are cost-effective options for keeping sunlight out of your home. They are also easy to install and available at most retail locations. However, if you’re looking for more permanent solutions, shutters, shade trees and awnings can be used to mitigate incoming sunlight.
5. Make Sure Your Air Ducts Are Sealed
Leaky, or poorly designed air ducts can be a real problem when you're trying to maintain efficiency. They can let cool air slip out, making your AC work harder, and take money out of your pocket. Fortunately for homeowners, leaky ducts can be sealed by an HVAC technician. They can also inspect your ducts to make sure that poor ductwork isn’t the culprit.
Need Help with your HVAC? Contact First Service!
Are you a Midland homeowner looking for an HVAC expert? First Service has got you covered! Our experienced technicians are able to evaluate the condition of your HVAC system, provide routine maintenance and fix problems when they arise. Give us a call at 432-302-6420 to learn more about our services, or contact us by filling out an online form. You can find our contact form by clicking the link here.
