Are you ready for the back-to-school season? As students gear up for a new academic year, don’t forget to keep a close eye on your energy usage at home. As energy rates in Texas fluctuate and many of us still use air conditioning quite a bit, it’s important to find ways to reduce usage to help lower your electricity bill.
In this article, we’ll explore some effective strategies for both children and adults to combat energy rates in Texas while focusing on ways to choose Texas power consumption wisely.
Understanding energy rates in Texas
Before we dive into energy-saving tips, let’s take a quick look at the energy landscape in Texas.
Many regions of The Lone Star State are known for their diverse electricity markets, which let consumers choose from a wide range of Texas electricity providers and plans. With this freedom, you have the opportunity to find the best electricity rates in Texas to suit your specific needs.
Your energy rate is a significant factor affecting your monthly electricity bill. The other significant factor is your usage.
What to do if energy rates in Texas are high
Aside from shopping for electricity and finding the right plan for your household, there’s not a lot you can do to control the rate you pay for Texas electricity plans. So, if you’d like to lower your bill, a smart approach is to use less electricity.
There are many ways to use less. Some are easier than others, some require an upfront investment, while others cost nothing to implement. Some tips may work for one household but not for another. The main thing to remember is every small adjustment adds up!
Here are some energy-saving tips that you and your children can implement this back-to-school season:
Tip 1: Compare electricity rates in Texas
Your electricity plan determines the price you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the length of your contract. By shopping for the best electricity rates in Texas and finding a plan that fits best with your usage habits, you can start off with a competitive rate.
Everything Energy provides a convenient way to compare rates and choose Texas power for your home.
Tip 2: Be mindful of lighting
This one is simple: turn off lights when they’re not being used and make the most of natural light during the day. Encourage your children to switch off lights when they leave a room, and it will soon become an automatic habit.
You can also start switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs. They use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They also last 3 to 5 times longer than CFL bulbs and up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs!
Tip 3: Unplug electronics
Many electronic devices still draw power when they’re turned off. By some estimates, this “phantom load” can account for 5 to 10 percent of your electricity usage. To save, have everyone in the household unplug chargers, gaming consoles and other electronics when not in use.
You can also use smart plugs and power strips to help minimize standby power consumption.
Tip 4: Maximize heating and cooling efficiency
In Texas, the weather can be quite extreme. You could be running your air conditioner well into fall. To get the best bang for your buck, program your thermostat to follow your work and school schedules.
You should also check that windows and doors are properly sealed. This will prevent your cooled or heated air from escaping.
Tip 5: Keep appliances and electronics efficient
Here’s one of the tips that require an upfront investment. But if you’re already in the market for a new appliance or other electronic, why not choose one with a high Energy Star rating? This will ensure that you’re using an energy efficient model, which can help save you money overall.
Tip 6: Make it a game
Transform energy-saving tasks into a game for young children to help them have fun while learning good habits. For instance, see who can turn off the lights the quickest at bedtime. Or assign them roles like Thermostat Chief (to make sure the thermostat is set correctly before leaving for school) and Plug Police (to alert you to any devices plugged in but not charging or in use).
Tip 7: Conduct an annual energy audit
Make energy efficiency an important part of your family’s life by performing an energy audit once a year. This can be a great learning experience for children, and you may uncover some hidden inefficiencies along the way.
Set aside an hour or so to give your home a thorough inspection. Identify areas where energy is being wasted, like air leaks and inefficient appliances. Then, involve your child(ren) in finding and implementing solutions. This activity will help empower everyone to take an active role in reducing energy usage.
Start combatting energy rates in Texas today
As the back-to-school season approaches, remember these energy efficiency tips. And you can take charge of your electricity bill right now by shopping for low energy rates in Texas and the best energy plan for your family.
All you have to do to get started is enter your ZIP code here.