With summer officially here, many people are worried about their rising electric bills when they increase their air conditioning usage. Here are 10 practical tips for cheaper electricity bills this summer.

Tip #1: Master your thermostat settings

If you’re going for a cheaper energy bill, start with your thermostat. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it according to you and your family’s schedule. When you’re home, run it at a comfortable temperature. When you’re sleeping, kick the setting up a few degrees. And when you’re not home, bump it up even further, or turn it off completely. (But keep in mind any pets that may need you to maintain a comfortable temperature while you’re away.)

Increasing the temperature setting in summer, even by a degree or two, can make an impact on your monthly bill.

Tip #2: Seal air leaks

It doesn’t make sense to run your A/C all day if it’s just seeping out of your home left and right. If you own your home, seal up those leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. If you rent, ask your landlord to take care of the issue.

This is another way to achieve cheaper electricity bills in summer.

Tip #3: Maintain your A/C

Regular HVAC maintenance will go a long way in keeping your air conditioner (and heater) running at optimal efficiency. A yearly professional tune-up and regular filter replacement can help in your quest for cheaper electricity bills in summer.

Tip #4: Cover windows

Did you know that about 76% of sunlight shining through standard double-pane windows enters as heat? This makes your air conditioner work harder to keep you comfortable. Minimize this solar heat gain by shutting curtains and blinds when you don’t need natural sunlight. Insulated window coverings offer even more protection against solar heat gain.

Tip #5: Ventilate

Want to keep your A/C usage down? Use Mother Nature’s free gifts! Open windows in the early morning, late evening and overnight to enjoy cooler air and refreshing breezes.

Tip #6: Plan appliance use

Avoid introducing more heat into your home from cooking, washing dishes and doing laundry during the hottest part of the day. Instead, make dinner in a slow cooker or grill outdoors, and run your dishwasher and clothes dryer at night. To maximize your energy efficiency, go one step further:

• Have cold dinners (like sandwiches, salad and fruit)
• Skip the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher
• Hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer

Tip #7: Use LEDs

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) pack a one-two punch that will help you achieve cheaper energy bills. First, LEDs are at least 75% more energy efficient than regular incandescent bulbs. Second, LEDs emit very little heat, compared to incandescent bulbs, which release 90% of their energy as heat. So, LEDs use less energy and add less heat to your home.

Tip #8: Unplug

Unused electronics that remain plugged in and on standby mode still consume energy. This phantom load can unnecessarily add to your electricity bill. So, banish this vampire power by getting in the habit of unplugging electronics when you’re done using them.

Tip #9: Cool off other ways

Running your air conditioner all day may be the most convenient way to stay cool. But it’s probably also the most expensive. To decrease your monthly electricity usage, try other methods of staying comfortable in the heat. Putting ice on your pulse points, wearing breathable clothing and sitting near a fan can all help beat the heat without breaking the bank.

Tip #10: Shop around for a cheaper electricity rate

Using less power using the methods above is one way to get a cheaper electricity bill. You can also shop for an electricity plan that best fits your needs, usage habits and preferences. Think of it like the story of Goldilocks — you want to find a plan that’s just right.

Finding the plan that’s just right for you

Everything Energy specializes in helping Texas residents find that just right electricity plan and cheapest electricity rates for their unique situation. Using our search filters, it’s easy to narrow down your choices, make apples-to-apples comparisons and see estimated bill totals. Find your plan today!

Do you own a swimming pool? For many Texas residents, it’s a dream come true to have a refreshing oasis right in their backyard during the hot summer months. But pools can use a lot of electricity. And that can impact both the planet and your energy bill. To enjoy your pool while reducing its power usage, follow these energy-saving tips from Texas Energy Providers.

What pool upgrades do Texas energy providers suggest for energy savings?

Upgrading to energy-efficient pool equipment can really help reduce your pool’s monthly energy usage. Here are some options to consider, according to Texas energy providers:

• Direct Energy suggests installing the latest in efficient filtration, pumping and heating technology. This will help minimize how much energy and water is needed to keep your pool in  swimmable shape.
• Reliant Energy advises upgrading to a five-star, energy-efficient pool pump.
• Green Mountain Energy suggests upgrading to a variable-speed pump to reduce energy usage. It also recommends switching from traditional pool lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Further, the clean energy company notes that small trees or hedges near your pool can act as a windbreak that helps reduce heat loss and evaporation.

What pool maintenance tips do Texas energy providers suggest for energy savings?

Proper and regular maintenance is needed to keep your pool from overusing electricity. Many Texas energy companies agree that these tips can help optimize your pool’s efficiency.

• Direct Energy reminds pool owners to keep pool filters clean so they can run efficiently. Clogged filters can make the pump work harder, using more energy.
• Using a solar blanket to cover the pool when it’s not being used helps keep it naturally warm. It also helps prevent evaporation and keeps debris out of the pool. The U.S. Department of Energy backs up this tip. It states that covering a pool when it’s not being used can save 50% to 70% on pool heating costs.

What actions do Texas energy providers suggest pool owners take to save energy?

Upgrades and proper maintenance can make a big impact on energy usage. But so can your everyday pool habits. Here are some easy ways to save energy, according to electric companies in Texas.

• Direct Energy advises not to set the pool temperature above 80 degrees.
• Along those lines, Reliant Energy suggests using an automatic timer on your pool pump to control energy usage.
• Green Mountain Energy takes it one step further. It recommends you run your pool pump at night, when electricity demand is the lowest. The company also recommends setting a pump  timer for a maximum of eight hours.
• Reliant Energy reminds pool owners to turn off the heater or heat pump when they go on vacation.
• Reliant Energy also recommends using cartridge filters, which are more energy efficient than sand filters. (They allow water to pass through more freely, putting less pressure on the pump.)

Why do Texas electricity providers want to help me make my pool more energy efficient?

It may seem odd for a company to want you to use less of its product. But Texas energy providers would rather have you conserve energy than waste it. For starters, it benefits the planet when we use less electricity. It’s also often more economical for electric companies in Texas to sell a bit less energy than it is to have to buy more energy than they had planned to during peak demand, at high market prices, to meet everybody’s usage needs.

So, there you have it. It’s a win all around to use less energy running your pool this summer!

What are the best electricity rates in Texas for pool owners?

With these energy-saving tips for your swimming pool in hand, all that’s missing is the electricity to power your backyard oasis this summer. To find the Texas energy providers and plans that have the best rates for your family’s usage habits and lifestyle, head to Everything Energy.

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