These five tips will keep you cool and help save on your energy bill this summer in Texas
A heat wave returns to North Texas this week with triple digit temperatures expected Thursday through Sunday.
Air conditioning makes up a greater portion of home energy use in Texas and its neighboring states compared to the rest of the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas recommends setting household thermostats at 78 or 80 on warmer days, but there are other ways to save on energy that don’t break a sweat.
Here are five ways to save on energy use this summer.
Know the peak usage hours
Electricity usage is usually highest between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power.
Avoiding energy usage that can be put off for later in the evening or in the morning — like running the dishwasher or doing laundry — could save you money, especially if your energy plan has discounted rates for energy used later in the day.
Laundry
Using a clothesline instead of a dryer saves on energy use, but if you use a dryer the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power recommends drying laundry loads back-to-back to retain the heat.
Cooking
Using a slow cooker or an outdoor grill as an oven and range alternative can help save your air conditioner from working overtime in the summer months.
If you do use your oven, avoid opening the door while your food is cooking to prevent excess heat from escaping.
When you’re ready to clean dishes, run the dishwasher in the evening and use cold water when running your garbage disposal. According to the TCAP, warm water requires more energy but using cold water could help move grease more easily through pipes.
Pool care
If you have a pool, setting your pool pump to run early in the morning or overnight also helps reduce energy use.
Insulation and filtration systems
Home insulation is just as important in the summer as it is in the winter.
Properly insulating your home will decrease warm air gained in the summer months by effectively resisting the flow of heat, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Cleaning your dishwasher filter helps make it run more efficiently. Replacing your air filters can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%, according to the Department of Energy.
