Summer hasn’t started yet, but the heat has. ERCOT, the state’s grid operator, already is warning Texans to prepare to conserve energy on those scorching-hot days when the state’s power supply is taxed.
The upside to conservation is lower utility bills. Power company TXU Energy has released tips for homeowners and residents to shave some dollars off their electricity bill this summer. The company says it asked its experts for “some lesser-known opportunities to reduce wasted electricity use and unnecessary spending.”
Check out these tips from TXU and others on how to save electricity, then share your power-saving tips in the comments section below.
Angle blinds up: TXU Energy says that angling horizontal blinds so sunlight streams up can reduce the heat coming in and provide free natural light. When closed and lowered, highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45 percent. less
Angle blinds up: TXU Energy says that angling horizontal blinds so sunlight streams up can reduce the heat coming in and provide free natural light. When closed and lowered, highly reflective blinds can reduce ... more
Photo: apdk / Flickr
Insulate lights: Canned or recessed lights can be a big source of air leaks. Selecting “IC” (insulation contact) models or installing approved covers over non-IC models can stop that.
Insulate lights: Canned or recessed lights can be a big source of air leaks. Selecting “IC” (insulation contact) models or installing approved covers over non-IC models can stop that.
Photo: kellen_butler / Flickr
Use a fan: You can raise your thermostat setting by up to 4 degrees and not feel a difference if you also run a ceiling fan. Fans only make you feel cooler, though, so turn them off when you’re not in the room. less
Use a fan: You can raise your thermostat setting by up to 4 degrees and not feel a difference if you also run a ceiling fan. Fans only make you feel cooler, though, so turn them off when you’re not in the ... more
Photo: fonticiella / Flickr
Lower humidity: It takes longer to cool a humid home. The ideal humidity level is less than 60 percent in the summer.
Lower humidity: It takes longer to cool a humid home. The ideal humidity level is less than 60 percent in the summer.
Photo: rlhyde / Flickr
Moderate the thermostat: Lowering your thermostat setting does not cool your home more quickly. Many factors affect how quickly an indoor space cools. Thermostat set points are not among them.
Moderate the thermostat: Lowering your thermostat setting does not cool your home more quickly. Many factors affect how quickly an indoor space cools. Thermostat set points are not among them.
Photo: alex_why / Flickr
Check your water heater: Water heaters are factory set at 140 degrees. Lowering that to 120 degrees provides comfortably hot water and less energy consumption.
Check your water heater: Water heaters are factory set at 140 degrees. Lowering that to 120 degrees provides comfortably hot water and less energy consumption.
Photo: mikenan1 / Flickr
Use a programmable thermostat: Most Americans with programmable thermostats don’t program them. New Energy Star® ratings for programmable thermostats may consider ease of use and online access.
Use a programmable thermostat: Most Americans with programmable thermostats don’t program them. New Energy Star® ratings for programmable thermostats may consider ease of use and online access.
Photo: Green Energy Futures / Flickr
Seal your windows: If you want to save money this summer, you should start by looking for the places where you are losing money. Gaps between windows and doors are some of the most likely spots for energy loss.
Seal your windows: If you want to save money this summer, you should start by looking for the places where you are losing money. Gaps between windows and doors are some of the most likely spots for energy loss.
Photo: tuxthepenguin84 / Flickr
Get the right A/C unit: Air conditioners are designed for specific sizes, and you can waste energy by having one too big or too small. You should make sure your unit is right for your home.
Get the right A/C unit: Air conditioners are designed for specific sizes, and you can waste energy by having one too big or too small. You should make sure your unit is right for your home.
Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle
Switch your light bulbs: You can save money by switching out old incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. The modern light bulbs, which do have a different glow, can save you money on your electric bill. less
Switch your light bulbs: You can save money by switching out old incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. The modern light bulbs, which do have a different glow, can save you money on your ... more
Photo: CraftyGoat / Flickr
Change your air filter: A dirty air filter can make your air conditioner be less efficient, and it can ultimately cost you money on your electric bill.
Change your air filter: A dirty air filter can make your air conditioner be less efficient, and it can ultimately cost you money on your electric bill.
Photo: wblo / Flickr
Turn off lights: Many people forget to turn off lights and fans after leaving a room. By turning them off, you can save yourself some money on that electric bill.
Turn off lights: Many people forget to turn off lights and fans after leaving a room. By turning them off, you can save yourself some money on that electric bill.
Photo: Fitz Villafuerte / Flickr
Buy energy-efficient appliances: They may cost more at the store, but energy-efficient appliances can save you money on your electric bill.
Buy energy-efficient appliances: They may cost more at the store, but energy-efficient appliances can save you money on your electric bill.
Photo: trekkyandy / Flickr
Unplug unused appliances: You can save money by unplugging phone chargers or other kitchen appliances when they aren't in use.
Unplug unused appliances: You can save money by unplugging phone chargers or other kitchen appliances when they aren't in use.
Photo: danmachold / Flickr
