In continuing our coverage of springtime savings, we have
some more tips that will help you save money as we head toward summer and the
high temperatures that come with it. Many of our tips won’t cost you anything
except a little bit of time, but even the ones that require an investment can
save you a lot of money in the long run.
Maintenance
Keeping
your air conditioning system in peak condition will improve its lifespan and
save your energy. Have a certified AC technician perform regular maintenance on your
system now before the high temps really start rolling in. Service calls
generally cost more as you get into the summer, as more people are desperate to
get the air conditioner fixed and feel comfortable again. Regular maintenance
like adding freon or changing filters will keep your AC at peak efficiency, so
you’ll be more comfortable all summer long.
Appliance and Lighting Use
About 85%
to 90% of the energy consumed by incandescent lights is radiated as heat, and a
lot of lights on in the house means more heat. Some older televisions and any
cooking appliances like stoves and ovens also radiate a lot of heat while in
use, so limiting how much you cook or watch TV can keep your home cooler. If
possible, cook outdoors on warmer days to prevent heat buildup inside. Shut off
lights that aren’t in use, and switch to more energy efficient bulbs like CFLs
and LEDs to not only reduce direct energy costs, but also to reduce how much
heat they radiate.
Air Leaks
Weatherstripping
your home closes up gaps that would lead outdoors, such as gaps under doorways
or cracks in window sills. With all of the hidden spots you could be losing air
through, it can add up to leaving one large window open all the time, and
that’s not good for keeping energy use down with the AC on. Make sure to also
close the dampers on fireplaces, as these can lose as much air as a partially
open window on their own.
Switching Energy Providers
Another way
to save money on electricity is to switch your energy provider to one who
offers the cheapest electricity in Texas. Searching through our
website lets you many providers in your area, seeing each plan rate
for rate. You can compare how much each plan costs, search for specific length
contracts, and find out how much you’ll save over your current plan.
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