Microwaves have become a common feature in most American homes, giving us one of the most convenient and cheapest power methods to heat up meals and snacks. But have you ever wondered how much electricity microwaves consume? October 8 is the filing anniversary of Percy Spencer’s 1945 patent for the microwave, making it a great time to explore this kitchen appliance and its effect on your power bill.

How do microwave ovens work?

Before diving into the electricity consumption of microwaves, it’s important to take a quick look at how the appliance actually works.

Microwave ovens use electromagnetic energy to cook food. Here is a simplified explanation of the microwaving process:

1. A magnetron in the appliance converts electricity from the power outlet into high-powered radio waves.
2. The magnetron blasts the radio waves through a channel into the food compartment.
3. The food spins on the turntable slowly so it cooks evenly.

The waves bounce off the metal walls inside the microwave. When they hit the food, the waves penetrate it and make the water molecules in the food vibrate faster. The vibrating creates energy, which is transferred to the food as heat. The faster the molecules vibrate, the hotter the food becomes.

How much energy do microwaves use?

Like most appliances, a microwave oven’s energy usage varies depending on its wattage.

Microwave manufacturer Whirlpool states that the ideal wattage for most microwaves is 1000 watts (W). This offers versatility in defrosting, reheating, and cooking. Smaller models in the 600W-900W range work well for smaller tasks like reheating leftovers and warming drinks, but you may need additional cooking time for larger tasks. Larger models can go up to 1700W or higher, making them very powerful.

In other words, the wattage of a microwave directly correlates to the amount of electricity it consumes when you use it.

To refresh your memory on how to measure electricity usage, a 1000W microwave uses 1000W (or 1 kW) of energy if run continuously for an hour.

How do you measure how much electricity it takes to microwave something?

To figure out exactly how much energy your microwave uses, you need a few pieces of information:

• Your microwave’s wattage (check the appliance’s product manual — or look for the wattage on the microwave itself)
• How many hours or minutes you use it per day
• Your Texas electricity rates [cents per kilowatt hour (kWh)]

Enter these items into the following equation:   

Cost per day = (Wattage/1000) x hours used x electricity price per kWh

• If you run this 1000W microwave for 1 hour a day, it will use 1 kWh.
• Multiply this by your electricity cost per kWh. If you pay 20¢ per kWh, it will cost you about 20¢ to use your microwave for 60 minutes a day. That translates to approximately $6 per month, or $72 per year.
• What if you only use your microwave for 10 minutes a day? That’s 1/6 of an hour, so divide your totals by 6. Ten minutes of microwave use a day equates to just $1 per month and $12 per year.

If math isn’t your thing, don’t worry — the Internet is here to help. You can plug your data into this online electricity cost calculator.

Any way you crunch the numbers, it’s clear that the microwave is one of the cheapest power methods for cooking. And for that, we have Percy Spencer to thank!

Find Texas energy providers to power your appliances — and your life

Finding the cheapest power in Texas starts with shopping for electricity plans and prices that best fit your usage and needs. Use Everything Energy’s innovative search filters to narrow your options and make apples-to-apples comparisons instantly.

By now, you may know that there are many power companies in Texas to choose from. But you may not know that several highly rated Texas power companies also offer other home services too.

Here’s a peek at some of those services that could help you save money on costly repairs, protect your investments, and gain peace of mind.

Smart home security and automation

Several Texas power companies now offer smart home security and automation solutions. These systems often include home security packages from trusted providers like Vivint. They may feature security cameras, smart hubs, door and window sensors, 24/7 monitoring, and more.

These systems can improve security, efficiency, and convenience by letting you control and monitor various parts of your home remotely.

Air conditioning and heating services

Reliable air conditioning and heating are essential for Texas’s off-the-charts heat and unpredictable winter climate. Some power companies offer AC/Heat Protection plans, which give you a set annual coverage amount, discounted tune-ups, and services performed by professional and licensed technicians.

These services ensure that your home’s heating and cooling systems operate efficiently year-round, helping you stay comfortable while potentially lowering your energy costs.

Water heater and appliance rentals

Another helpful service now offered by some Texas power companies is water heater and other major appliance rental.

This option lets you have top-of-the-line, durable, and reliable models without the upfront expense of purchasing them. Plus, certified repair professionals will come to fix any issues that arise, taking the burden off of you.

Protection plans

Homes are complex. When something goes wrong in yours, it can get expensive. Plans that protect your home’s electronic devices, appliances, and plumbing can help absorb the cost of repairs — or prevent them entirely.

Personal electronics

Modern life relies heavily on electronics for entertainment, communication, and safety. Many Texas power companies offer protection plans covering a range of personal electronics, including laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, home theater systems, smart thermostats, smart home cameras, smart smoke/CO detectors, and much more.

These plans are designed to help safeguard your investment and ensure your devices continue to function smoothly.

Appliances and electrical

Appliances are a significant investment. Protection plans for kitchen and laundry room appliances can help shield you from costly repairs and keep your essential items running reliably.

Additionally, electrical protection plans cover electrical repairs, surge protection, and even electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These plans protect your home’s electrical systems and devices from unexpected breakdowns and surges.

Plumbing

Plumbing issues can be inconvenient, but Texas power companies’ protection plans can provide peace of mind. These plans can cover a range of services, like repairs to plumbing, sewer and septic lines, water heaters, and external water lines.

By subscribing to a plumbing protection plan, you can ensure that your home’s water systems are well-maintained and any issues are fixed promptly, preventing more significant problems down the line.

Find the best power company in Texas for your needs

With so many Texas energy companies to choose from, you can afford to be picky. If these added home services appeal to you, choose an electric provider that can deliver beyond energy.

Search Everything Energy now to find a plan that’s right for you.

Have you ever wondered who made it possible for us to flip a switch and light up a room?

We can thank a brilliant English scientist named Michael Faraday, born on September 22, 1791. He’s one of the main reasons we understand electricity today — so much so that people often call him “The Father of Electricity!”

Today, we’re celebrating his life, contributions, and how his discoveries helped bring about the cheap energy plans we use to power our modern homes.

Who was Michael Faraday?

Michael Faraday began working at a young age to support his family. He worked as a bookbinder’s apprentice, which gave him the chance to read many books about science, including the “electricity” entry in Encyclopedia Brittanica. His curious mind and love of learning would later aid his scientific discoveries.

What were Faraday’s most significant contributions to science?

In his lifetime, Michael Faraday contributed many laws, theories, and discoveries to the scientific community.

Faraday worked under a renowned chemist, Sir Humphry Davy, as a laboratory assistant and learned chemistry at the elbow of one of the greatest practitioners of the day. It has been said that Faraday was Davy’s greatest discovery. In addition to other chemistry-related achievements, he isolated an oily residue from gas lamps, later termed benzene.

Electric motor and electrical generator

He then moved on to electricity and electrochemistry. In 1821, he used a permanent magnet and an electric current to produce mechanical motion — a precursor of the electric motor. In 1831, he invented the world’s first electrical generator by converting magnetic force into electric force.

Two laws of electrochemistry

While proving that electricities produced by various means are identical, he also discovered the two laws of electrochemistry, which describe the relationship between electricity and chemical changes:

1. “The amount of a substance deposited on each electrode of an electrolytic cell is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity passed through the cell.”
2. “The quantities of different elements deposited by a given amount of electricity are in the ratio of their chemical equivalent weights.”

The relationship between electricity and magnetism

Building on Michael Faraday’s previous studies and ideas, Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell was able to demonstrate that the electric and magnetic fields could be unified into one field and that the energy of the electromagnetic field propagated through empty space as waves.

What impact did Michael Faraday have on electricity?

Without Faraday’s scientific experiments and discoveries, we might not have electric power as we know it today. Most electricity made today uses the same principles he used to create the first electric generator. That makes it possible for people to power their homes with convenient, cheap energy plans.

Find cheap electricity plans for your home

We can power our homes affordably thanks in part to “The Father of Electricity,” Michael Faraday. If you’re looking for a cheaper electricity plan, visit our search page to find the right plan for your family and budget.

September marks the beginning of Intergenerational Month. During this time, people from varying age groups are encouraged to befriend, connect, and learn from each other.

This month, try electricity-free ways to connect with people from different generations. You’ll not only be forging new relationships but also helping the planet and cutting back on your electricity cost for the month.

Electricity-free activities

Use one or all of the following ideas for an unplugged Intergenerational Month that minimizes electricity cost and usage:

Write a letter

Slow down and take part in the lost art of letter writing. Exchange handwritten letters with someone from a different generation and forge a deeper connection than email or text could ever provide. Plus, who doesn’t love opening their mailbox and finding a note from someone special?

Play a board game

Memory©, Rummikub©, Checkers, Monopoly©, Trouble©, Chutes and Ladders©… the possibilities are endless, and so is the fun. A little friendly competition can create laughter, conversation, and a shared experience to reflect fondly on.

Take a walk

Go for a leisurely walk in nature and let the conversation energize you. In addition to promoting physical health, walking is a low-stress, low-pressure way to bond.

Make friends with a retiree

Making friends with a retiree is a great way to brighten a senior citizen’s day. If you listen carefully and ask questions, you’ll learn something new — and leave with a smile.

Share memories

Take turns describing meaningful memories from your past. Sharing stories can bridge generational gaps, reveal fascinating insights, and fuel interesting conversations.

Take a class together

Look for a mutually enjoyable class at your local community college, YMCA, or library. Experiencing a new subject together can help you connect and spark new interests.

Paint, draw, or color

If a formal class isn’t your cup of tea, get artistic through painting, drawing, or coloring together. These self-expression activities can help you relax, forget about your problems, and let creativity reign.

Play 20 questions

Get a conversation flowing by taking turns asking each other 20 questions about the other one’s life, interests, and preferences. You may learn you have more in common than you think. And the electricity cost for a good chat is $0.

Do a puzzle

Whether it’s a crossword, jigsaw, or other puzzle, solving something together will be entertaining and satisfying. It may also reveal surprising differences in how you approach and solve problems.

Read aloud

Take turns reading out loud from a new book (or old favorite). This activity is great because you’ll spend hours of cozy, quality time together during your reading sessions.

Have a dance party

Music is universal, so grab your battery-operated device and turn on music from both participants’ generations and boogey down. Dancing together to the oldies, punk rock, 90’s pop, and today’s hits is a joyful way to get together.

Garden

Planting, pruning, harvesting veggies, or even weeding in the garden can bring generations together in the Great Outdoors while producing something beautiful.

These are just a few of the many energy-free ways that people of all ages can get together during September’s Intergenerational Month — and all year! With some creativity and planning, we can all get back to connecting face-to-face without any electricity cost involved.

Compare power plans no matter your age

Anyone renting or owning a home, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, must choose an electricity plan to power their abode. Search Everything Energy today for electricity rates in Texas and compare power plans to find the one that best meets your needs.

Commercial electricity rates can be a significant line item on a district’s budget. The nearly 100,000 public K-12 schools in the U.S. represent about 5% of commercial building energy consumption. These schools spend more than $8 billion annually on energy — yet up to 30% of school energy is wasted!

This means there’s room for energy-saving efforts, which can help save money. The savings could be allocated to more beneficial school resources or used to lessen residential school taxes.

With a new school year just around the corner for many Texas teachers and students, it’s the perfect time to think about ways to help the planet by saving energy in the classroom.

Back-to-school power tips

Here are some helpful tips for teachers and students to help save power in schools:

Explain the importance of energy conservation

Teachers can plant a seed in young minds for a brighter future by explaining, in an age-appropriate way, why it’s important to conserve resources like electricity. Students will start understanding the “why” behind energy-saving efforts instead of just seeing them as more tasks to complete.

Practice energy awareness

Once students know better why they should conserve electricity, everyone can have their energy radars on alert and look for ways to use less energy. Whether it’s turning off the lights while watching a video, upcycling materials (since it takes energy to create them) during arts and crafts, or sharing a classroom laptop with a classmate, being energy-aware will become automatic as the weeks go on.

Turn off electronics and lights when not in use

Speaking of electronic devices, turning them off after use will help save energy. Many classrooms have one device per student. Think of all the power that could be saved if the more than 75 million U.S. students made this a classroom habit.

While energy use varies from school to school, lighting is typically one of the top energy end uses. Turning off lights in bathrooms, unused classrooms, and during recess can make an impact.

Make a game of it

Fun lessons are lessons that stick, so make learning about saving energy enjoyable. Who will be on energy patrol in the classroom each day? How many ways can students brainstorm to be more energy efficient at school or home? Could the class earn a party after a month of their energy awareness efforts? Having students get creative and become part of the solution empowers them to see things differently than older generations.

Discuss energy across subjects

Energy is everywhere, from science and math to social studies and language arts. Why not incorporate energy conservation into lesson plans? Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

• Science: Build a solar oven or conduct an energy audit of the school
• Math: Graph the school’s energy usage over the last 12 months or calculate how much electricity a school appliance costs to operate using a watt meter
• Social studies: Compare energy usage in different countries or discuss how electricity usage has changed over time
• Language arts: Write a persuasive essay about the importance of using less electricity or create posters to hang around the school encouraging energy conservation

In addition to these tips, check out the thorough ENERGY STAR® Energy Efficiency Student Toolkit for more ideas and valuable information for students of all ages.

Energy providers that offer commercial electricity rates in Texas

Many retail electricity providers who supply homes across Texas with energy also offer commercial electricity rates for businesses, organizations and public schools. Trusted residential power providers like Direct Energy, Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy also provide power in schools and other large groups.

School districts can potentially save money by switching to a better commercial electricity rate from one of these providers, in addition to energy-saving efforts by teachers and students.

Streamline your home energy search

Check out Everything Energy’s powerful search tools to find the best electricity plan for your home and needs. You can easily filter, search and compare electricity plans and providers here.

Why waste money on electricity and water for your outdoor spaces when you can be eco-conscious and efficient? Check out these cheap energy-saving/water-saving ways to spruce up your landscaping and potentially start saving on your utility bills.

Plant shade trees

If your home gets minimal shade during the day, you’re most likely using a lot of air conditioning to stay cool in summer. Instead of running the A/C 24/7, try planting trees that offer some relief from the hot summer days.

Experts suggest planting deciduous trees in an arc around your home’s east, southeast, south, southwest and west faces. Deciduous trees can block sunlight from directly hitting your house. Unlike evergreens, deciduous trees will be bare during the colder months, letting the sunshine warm your home.

Since heating and cooling can make up approximately 50% of a household’s electricity use, planting shade trees strategically can greatly impact your energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that carefully positioned trees could save up to 25% of a typical home’s energy use. It’s also a win for the environment, as trees help absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Use solar lighting

What’s better than cheap energy? Free energy! Solar lighting is all the rage, and for good reason. Capturing energy from the sun’s rays and converting it into electricity for free is a no-brainer compared to wiring lamps and lights to a power source.

Plus, solar lighting options abound! Choose from post-top and pole lamps, ground or tabletop floor lamps, recessed, or accent lighting. Use them on your front porch, to line your driveway or walkway, to power your late-night deck party and more. Just remember to keep the glass or plastic that encases the solar cell clean so the sun can recharge it properly.

Water wisely

Before you reach for the hose or program your sprinkler system, confirm that you’re making the most of your watering efforts. One simple way to water efficiently is to do it in the morning, before 10 a.m.

Some people believe watering in the evening after temperatures cool down is better. However, moisture can attach to plants overnight and may cause fungus or other diseases. But watering in the early morning gives that water time to soak into plant roots before the hot weather evaporates it. (Since Texas has brutal summers, the earlier you can water, the better!)

Another smart watering strategy for a garden is to use a drip irrigation system. This method provides a slow, steady, and even watering of plant roots that reduces water waste.

These water-efficient landscaping strategies can help you drastically reduce your yard watering, which can lower the water bill.

Find cheap energy plans to fit your budget

Energy and water efficient landscaping techniques are just two ways to try and lower your utility bills. Another way is to search for cheap energy plans from Texas electricity providers you can trust and sign up for the one that best suits your needs and budget. To start your search, compare pricing and enroll within minutes, visit Everything Energy.

With energy pricing being a significant expense for most, energy-efficient homes and features are gaining popularity with home buyers nationwide.

A National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) What Home Buyers Really Want study showed that 15% of home buyers would pay more for a home described as “environmentally friendly.” Further, 57% of home buyers would pay $5,000 or more above the home’s price for energy-efficient upgrades that would save them $1,000 a year in utility costs. And, of course, electricity plays a large role in the environment and utility bills.

So, whether you’re selling your home soon or planning to make upgrades, check out the energy-saving features buyers seek that could net you a strong return on investment (ROI).

Revamp your HVAC system

With space heating and cooling among most homes’ top three energy-consuming appliances, give your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system special consideration. Is your current HVAC equipment getting old? You have a few options for making heating and air conditioning more efficient.

You could consider replacing it with an all-in-one electric air-source heat pump, which is more efficient and may use less energy than a traditional HVAC system. Plus, according to a study by Nature Energy, homes with an electric air-source heat pump enjoyed an average 4.3-7.1% price premium when sold.

You could also replace your HVAC components with more efficient machinery. For example, an ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioner uses about 8% less energy than a conventional new model.

Or you could convert your HVAC system from fossil fuel to an electric heat pump (also known as HVAC electrification). This could yield a 66% ROI, according to national averages from Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report. That’s in addition to lowering your carbon footprint and any monthly savings on your cost of energy.

Install a heat pump water heater

Water heating accounts for about 18% of household electrical usage in an average U.S. home. Upgrading to a heat pump water heater can increase your home’s value by making it more energy efficient.

According to Energy.gov, an ENERGY STAR®-rated heat pump water heater is up to 4 times more efficient and uses 70% less energy than a standard model. It’s estimated that this type of water heater can save up to $550 in annual electricity costs for a family of four.

Update your windows

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-rated windows ranks as the #4 most-wanted feature in NAHB’s What Home Buyers Really Want list, with 39% of surveyed home buyers labeling them as “essential/must haves” and another 44% rating them as a “desirable” feature.

If your budget won’t allow you to make this upgrade, don’t despair. You can often fix drafty windows with insulation and by sealing air leaks, which is more economical and can still impress home buyers and their inspectors.

Insulate your attic

Properly insulating your attic (and sealing air leaks around doors and windows) can make your home more energy efficient. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that effective air sealing and insulation throughout a home can save homeowners 15% on heating and cooling costs. And Realtor.com lists attic insulation as an energy-efficiency improvement that offers one of the best returns on investment.

The amount of insulation your home needs depends on your local climate. Use this R-Value map and chart to determine how much insulation different areas of your home should have.

Consider adding solar panels

Rooftop solar can be a very attractive feature to potential home buyers for three big reasons.

First, any electricity generated by the home’s solar panels is energy that doesn’t have to be bought, reducing the monthly cost of energy.

Second, the “buyback” or “payback” plans from retailers like Green Mountain Energy and Reliant Energy, which give you bill credits for selling back any excess solar energy produced by your panels, is a favorable solar energy pricing model.

And third, using renewable energy helps lower the homeowner’s carbon footprint.

According to a Zillow study, installing solar panels has a large upfront cost, but homes with solar-energy systems sell for up to 4.1% more.

Upgrade your kitchen appliances

As the heart of many homes, a kitchen’s condition can make or break a real estate sale. An updated kitchen with ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances ranks in the Top 10 Most Wanted features in NAHB’s What Home Buyers Really Want list, with 33% of surveyed home buyers naming it an “essential/must have” and another 48% rating it as a “desirable” feature.

In addition to providing a sleek look, modern appliances are more energy-efficient than older models, resulting in lower energy costs for buyers. According to one estimate, upgraded kitchen appliances have an average ROI of 60-80%.

Don’t forget about the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and rebates

The federal government offers up to $3,200 in tax credits annually for qualified energy-efficient home improvements made before January 1, 2033. 

Qualifying expenses include insulation, exterior doors and windows, home energy audits by a qualified home energy auditor, central air conditioners, certain types of water heaters, electric or natural gas heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, and more. Find more details on the IRS page, Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.

Many ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances and electronics offer rebates, as well. If you purchase one of these appliances, make sure to check the ENERGY STAR® rebate finder so you don’t miss out on additional savings.

Find energy pricing, electricity providers, and more with Everything Energy

Not ready to make upgrades but still want to lower your monthly cost of energy? Try a new electricity plan from a trusted Texas electricity provider. Use our personalized search tools to narrow down your options, compare energy pricing between plans and sign up today.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult a tax professional for details and advice on tax credits and eligibility.

If you’re planning a 4^th of July BBQ this weekend, you’re not alone. Almost 70% of Americans will have a cookout to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or spending time with your immediate family, you can still make it an energy-efficient occasion by following these easy, helpful tips approved by energy providers in Texas.

Tip #1: Keep the party outdoors

Make your 4th of July BBQ a fun and energy-efficient outdoor affair. By raising your air conditioner temperature and keeping the party outside (bathroom breaks are allowed, of course!), you’ll save energy and encourage unplugged activities like yard games and sports competitions. It’s a win-win for the environment and your enjoyment!

Tip #2: Cool off naturally

Even though you’ll be outside in the heat, you and your party can still stay comfortable using energy-free strategies. For example, seek out shade under a patio umbrella, awning, or tree to get relief from the direct sunlight. Or keep a cooling towel around your neck. And keep a supply of ice-cold beverages on hand to stay hydrated. You won’t even miss your air-conditioned living room when you plan ahead!

Tip #3: Serve cold apps and sides

Yes, a cookout or BBQ signals hot food will be served. But aside from grilling, you can avoid heat-producing appliances by serving chilled apps and side dishes like salad, fruit platters, and guac or cowboy caviar with chips. Since your refrigerator is always running anyway, you won’t be using any additional electricity for these sides. Plus, cold foods always pair well with hot summer days!

Tip #4: Cook with energy-efficient appliances

If you need to cook some items in your kitchen, you can still minimize energy usage by utilizing efficient appliances. So, if a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or microwave can do the job, use one of these instead of your oven or stove.

Tip #5: Use solar lighting

If your 4^th of July BBQ stretches late into the night, use solar lighting instead of traditional lights to keep the area well-lit and energy efficient. Solar lighting options abound, from string lights and tiki torches to floodlights and more. You’ll save electricity while basking in a nice, warm glow.

Discover even more ways to minimize electricity usage this Fourth of July >

Celebrate energy independence by shopping for energy providers in Texas

You have the power to choose your retail electricity provider and the electric plan that best suits your home, family, and needs. Shop Everything Energy for Texas energy providers that customers are raving about.

If you live in Texas, it’s essential to dress for summer weather. Otherwise, you’ll end up maxing out your air conditioner, paying Texas electric providers more than necessary, and sweating through your clothes before lunchtime hits. Luckily, knowing more about cooling clothes and dressing in the right fabrics can get you through the sweltering season.

What fabrics make the best cooling clothes?

To beat the heat and stay comfortable, wear summer-friendly fabrics such as:

Cotton and linen

Both of these natural fabrics are breathable, let air flow, and ideal for any climate all year round.

Chambray and bamboo

These specialty fabrics make for effective cooling clothes, too. Chambray is lightweight and breezy, while bamboo is exceptionally good at absorbing moisture. Bonus: bamboo is an all-natural fabric, making it an eco-conscious option.

Rayon

This synthetic fabric has quick-drying properties and is best in dry heat.

Lyocell

Green Mountain Energy, one of the most planet-friendly Texas electric providers, recommends clothing made from lyocell. According to their website, lyocell is a “plant-based fiber made from semi-synthetic regenerated cellulose fiber and is manufactured from wood pulp.” Not only is it breathable and moisture-wicking, it’s also durable, soft, and sustainable.

How do fabrics cool you down?

You can also choose to wear clothing made from fabrics with special cooling technology built in. According to the experts at How Stuff Works, fabric cooling technology is usually either temperature balance and temperature abatement. Here’s how they work:

Temperature balance

Temperature-balanced fabrics wick sweat away from the body and spread it across the surface of the fabric, so it evaporates faster. These fabrics are usually treated with a polymer (a long chain of organic molecules formed by many smaller molecules called monomers). Heat and humidity from your body activates the polymer, which wicks the sweat away and it evaporates.

Most apparel uses this type of cooling technology.

Temperature abatement

This type of cooling tech makes the textile feel cool to the touch, even though it isn’t. The feeling comes from the fabric’s yarn itself. It’s highly conductive polyethylene (PE), which gives it the ability to quickly transfer heat away from the fabric’s surface.

How else can I dress in summer to stay cool?

In addition to the material you wear, don’t forget about these other factors that can keep you cool throughout summer:

• Light colors — You probably know that dark colors absorb heat, so opt for white or other light colors that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.
• Loose styles — Tight clothes trap heat, so wearing loose clothing will allow air to circulate and let your body breathe.
• Cooling accessories — Wearing sunglasses, lightweight scarves, and sun hats can shade and protect you from the sun. And don’t forget the ultimate summer accessory: a big bottle of ice-cold water to keep you hydrated and cool.
• Cooling bed sheets — Investing in bedding that cools you off can increase your comfort on hot nights and help you rely less on your air conditioner to fall asleep.

Armed with this new knowledge, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long — and give your air conditioner some much-needed rest!

Find Texas electric providers you can count on during the dog days of summer

Shopping for electricity doesn’t have to be difficult. Use Everything Energy’s free site to search some of the most trusted Texas electricity providers and their plans to find the one that work best for your family. Stay cool, friends!

Are you feeling the heat? With average highs in the 90s already for many Texas cities, you don’t want to spend the next several months running an energy-inefficient air conditioner. Here are 8 tips from Houston energy providers to help you maximize your air conditioner’s efficiency and keep your home cool — without breaking the bank.

#1. Keep your air conditioner clean

A clean air conditioner works more efficiently. Dust and debris can clog your AC’s air filters, which makes your unit work harder than needed to keep you cool. Clean or replace filters regularly to make sure you’re getting the most out of your AC.

Also, Direct Energy recommends to clear debris (like leaves and branches) from around your outdoor air conditioning unit, and don’t block inside vents.

#2. Change air filters regularly

A dirty air filter can reduce air flow and make your air conditioner work overtime. Changing air filters regularly will help improve your AC’s efficiency, states Reliant Energy. Tip: Set a recurring event on your calendar so you don’t forget!

#3. Use curtains, shades, or blinds to keep heat out

Sun shining directly into windows can heat up a room quickly and force your AC to work harder. Closing your curtains, shades, or blinds helps keep that heat out and takes some stress off your air conditioner.

If you need that bright light, though, Cirro Energy recommends tilting blinds upward to redirect the light toward the ceiling. Because heat rises, it will at least be directed upward while you enjoy cooler air below.

#4. Seal costly air leaks

While keeping heat outside helps your air conditioner be more efficient, keeping that cool air inside is just as important. Make sure you’re not making your AC work harder than it needs to by sealing leaks around windows and doors, Green Mountain Energy and other Houston energy providers suggest.

#5. Avoid using heat-producing appliances

Ovens, stoves, and clothes dryers generate heat in your home, which can make your AC work extra hard to keep you cool. Try to use these appliances at night, reminds Cirro Energy — or avoid them completely by grilling outdoors and line-drying clothes.

#6. Be strategic with your thermostat settings

For every degree below 78° F you lower your thermostat, you’ll see a 5%-7% increase in your cooling costs, advises Discount Power.

That means letting your air conditioner run at the same, cool temperature all day can result in a high energy bill (and unneeded extra wear). Raise the thermostat a few degrees when you’re away, and let it rest at night.

You can also use a programmable or smart thermostat to set an automatic schedule that aligns with yours.

#7. Schedule an AC checkup

Keep your air conditioner running efficiently by scheduling regular AC checkups with an HVAC technician, suggests Reliant Energy. With cleaned coils, correct refrigerant levels, and repairs completed as needed, your AC unit will be ready for the long summer ahead.

#8. Consider an upgrade

If you have an old and inefficient air conditioner, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient model.

When shopping for a new air conditioner, Direct Energy recommends you look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and make sure you get the correctly sized unit for your home.

Find Texas electric companies — including Houston energy providers — and plans that meet your needs.

By following these simple tips from energy providers in Houston, you can keep your home cool all summer long while maximizing your air conditioner’s efficiency — and potentially save money on your energy bills, too!

Another way to help you save? Find an electricity plan that fits your home, your family, and your lifestyle to a T. Start shopping today with Everything Energy.