Energy Saving Tips and Tricks for Texans

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Save energy in Texas

In Texas, late summer and early fall don’t always bring cool breezes and lower temperatures. In fact, 100-degree days in the early fall months are not uncommon. While you can’t control the temperature, you can control how you address it. Beat the heat, help the environment, and save on your monthly energy bills with these energy conservation tips from SaveOnEnergy.

Practice energy efficiency

It’s easier to keep cool indoors if your appliances are running efficiently. Here are a few free energy-saving tips to get the most out of your devices:

• According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), air conditioning accounts for 19% of residential electricity consumption. Try turning your thermostat up when you are not home or asleep to offset this usage.
• Close your curtains and shades during peak heat to filter out the sun’s direct rays.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine early in the morning or after the sun goes down when it’s not as hot outside.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate the cool air from the air conditioner. Ceiling fans work especially well when you set them to move the air upward.
• Move furniture away from air vents to improve air circulation.
• Check your fireplace for leaks. Keep the damper closed when you aren’t using it to prevent warm or cool air from escaping. You can also consider getting energy-efficient fireplace grates to push warm air back into the room.

Want to make some extra changes that will pay off in the long run? The following tips aren’t free but can lead to better energy usage and potential bill savings.

• Shade your outdoor A/C unit if possible and regularly change the air filter on the inside unit.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically regulate your home’s temperature for optimum efficiency. You can even buy a smart thermostat and control it from your smartphone.
• Plant large trees on the sides of your home that receive southern and western exposure. In the summer, they’ll shade your home and keep it cool. In the winter, they’ll serve as a windbreak.
• Solar lights are an affordable and easy way to illuminate the exterior of your house.
• Conduct an energy audit on your home to find opportunities to save energy. An energy audit is a great way to identify areas where your home wastes energy.

Weatherize your home

If you want to save energy further, consider making your home more weather-resistant. Weatherizing your house can save hundreds of dollars on utility bills and add value to your property.

• Check your attic to determine if you need more insulation to keep your home warm during colder months.
• Install solar screens to keep the sun out.
• Caulk or seal windows to keep hot air outside.
• Replace old appliances with new ones that are ENERGY STAR-certified.
• Weather-strip the perimeter of exterior doors.
• Close the damper on your fireplace during the summer months.
• Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than traditional lights and last 25 times longer.

 Home upgrade incentives

While there are plenty of free ways to save energy at home, larger energy-efficient upgrades such as new appliances or energy audits can be expensive. President Joe Biden signed a federal climate law in 2022 to encourage clean energy investments in the U.S.. The Inflation Reduction Act offers multiple incentives for sustainable changes, including a 30% tax credit for purchasing solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and electric vehicles. While upgrading your home can be expensive, the federal climate law helps more consumers take advantage of tax incentives to benefit from long-term energy savings.