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.

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.

Even with the best power company in Texas, energy bills in the Lone Star State can spike in summer. With children finishing the school year, now is the perfect time to implement some energy-saving activities for kids that will help keep summer electric bills under control.

#1 Go screen-free for a day

Kids up to age 8 spend an average of 2.5 hours in front of a screen each day, while children age 8-10 are in front of a screen around 6 hours per day.

Take a break from digital entertainment by challenging the kids (or the whole family!) to unplug from electronics for a day. That includes TVs, computers, tablets, gaming consoles, and cell phones. Here are just a few ways they could have an enjoyable, screen-free day:

• Outdoor activities with friends
• Board games
• Reading
• Writing a letter to a grandparent or favorite teacher
• Arts and crafts

The options are endless — and the results are worth it!

#2 Experiment with sunshine

Take science outdoors with exciting experiments that use heat from the sun. A few possible experiments that kids could do with an adult include:

• Pizza box solar oven
• DIY solar-powered boat
• Greenhouse effect model

Or, just let them make up experiments with the heat using their creativity and curiosity. How fast does an ice cube melt in the sun vs. in the shade? How hot does soil feel on the surface vs. digging 3” into it? What color objects get the hottest and stay the coolest in direct sunlight?

#3 Hang laundry on a clothesline

Skip the clothes dryer and go electricity-free by showing your kids how to hang laundry on a clothesline. This energy-saving activity of hanging up and taking down laundry probably won’t even feel like a chore if they make a game of it.

Plus, it’s easy, it’s calming, it disinfects fabric, it helps clothes last longer — and it’s good for the planet. Air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer can reduce an average household’s carbon footprint by 2,400 pounds per year.

#4 Be energy helpers around the home

Start your children on the path to eco-consciousness by having them be energy-saving superheroes at home. Specific tasks they can help with include:

• Turning off lights when leaving a room
• Unplugging unused small electronics to avoid vampire power
• Closing doors and windows when the air conditioner is on

They’ll get a sense of responsibility and take pride in helping protect the environment while also helping you save money on the bill from your Texas power company.

#5 Use light the smart way

Reduce the use of artificial lighting during the day by encouraging kids to open curtains and blinds to let sunlight into the room.

Also, teach them to close those curtains and blinds in unused rooms. This will block out the hot summer sun and reduce heat gain, which means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.

#6 Have an outdoors-only day

Give your air conditioner a break by dedicating a day to outdoor fun and games. While you’re outside, you can reasonably raise the temperature on your thermostat, so your A/C unit doesn’t need to work as hard, which helps shave some kilowatt hours off the electricity bill you get from your power company in Texas. Plus, outdoor activities can promote a healthy lifestyle.

Potential activities include:

• Picnics
• Pool/sprinkler/water balloon fun
• Nature walks or hikes
• Naps in the shade
• Gardening
• Yard games

Don’t forget to hydrate during all that outdoor fun!

Find a power company in Texas to get you through the hottest summer days.

Need to shop for electricity? Everything Energy has all the tools you need to make apples-to-apples comparisons of Texas energy providers, plans, and rates so you can make an informed decision for your household.

Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just about not being tired the next day. Studies have shown links between poor quality sleep and obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and numerous other health problems. Plus, so many functions are affected by our sleep health, including:

• Learning and memory consolidation
• Emotional regulation
• Problem solving
• Judgement and decision making
• Growth, healing and immunity

For all these reasons and more, it’s important to prioritize healthy sleeping. And with May being Better Sleep Month, it’s the perfect time to do just that. You can kill two birds with one stone by following these 3 tips for sleeping better while keeping your Texas electricity rates in check!

Enjoy natural light during the day

Our bodies have an internal 24-hour clock called a circadian rhythm. Light is a stimulus for our bodies that tells us when to do certain things, like sleep or wake up. Exposure to sunlight can help regulate your internal clock and make it stronger. It can also lessen the impact of artificial light on your circadian rhythm.

Internal clocks are most sensitive to light about one hour after waking up in the morning, about two hours before going to bed at night and throughout the night. Getting bright light, especially natural light, in the morning is great for our bodies and can help regulate sleep. It’s also an example of how to use less electricity easily.

Turn off all screens before bed

On the flip side, exposure to lights at night can keep you up when you’d rather be catching some Z’s. And that can throw your body’s internal clock off its natural schedule.

Blue light, which is emitted from modern electronic devices, is the worst offender. Its short-wavelength-enriched nature suppresses the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin more than any other wavelength. Exposure to blue light before bedtime tricks your body into thinking it’s still daytime and increases alertness.

Common blue-light emitting items include:

• Fluorescent lighting
• LED lights
• Smart phones, tablets and computer screens
• E-readers
• Televisions

To sleep better, it’s best to eliminate all sources of blue light in the hours before bedtime. This can also result in saving electricity. If this isn’t possible for your lifestyle, try the following to lessen exposure to blue light:

• Make your bedroom a screen-free zone
• Wear blue light-blocking glasses when you use the electronics listed above
• Dim the brightness on your device or enable “night mode” or “adaptive brightness” in the device’s settings
• Keep lights dimmer before bedtime

Control the temperature in your bedroom

Although everybody is different, experts recommend a temperature between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy sleep. However, older adults may benefit from sleep temperatures between 68-77 degrees.

Either way, the hot Texas summer nights can impact sleep negatively if you don’t have a method to cool down. Given today’s Texas electricity rates, using your air conditioner to get you all the way to your ideal temperature every night can get expensive. Instead, try these tips for saving electricity and cooling down at bedtime:

• Take a hot bath or shower before bedtime
• Use a fan to create a wind-chill affect that makes you feel cooler
• Keep bedroom curtains or blinds closed during the day to prevent heat buildup
• Use breathable bed linens and pajamas made from all-natural or organic materials

Keep Texas electricity rates in check by shopping for electricity

Now that you know how to get a better night’s sleep while also saving electricity, you can compare Texas electricity rates to avoid summertime spikes. Turn to Everything Energy for easy-to-use tools and find the best plan for your lifestyle.

Each year on April 22, people around the world make time to celebrate our planet on Earth Day. It’s a day to contemplate, show gratitude toward, and take action to protect the planet, which needs our collective efforts more than ever.

If you’re wondering how to celebrate Earth Day, you’re in luck! Here are six smart ways you can make a difference.

#1 Clean up your neighborhood

Almost anyone can help pick up trash in their neighborhood or community. All it takes is a trash bag and some gloves to get started. This makes a fantastic activity for the whole family — little ones love this task because they get to be helpful and see the impact they’re making.

Plus, this activity can be made into a more frequent habit — you can adopt plogging, pliking and plalking. (That’s picking up litter during a jog, bike, or walk!)

How it helps: Keeping litter in the trash ensures it reaches the proper waste management facility and doesn’t end up polluting the oceans. It also beautifies the areas around us.

#2 Go meatless for a day

Producing the meat we consume requires a significant amount of water — per pound, it requires much more water than vegetables, grains or legumes. It also contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. In honor of Earth Day, try opting for non-meat options. You may just like it so much you decide to go meatless more often.

How it helps: Reducing meat intake helps conserve water, preserve natural habitats and lower your carbon footprint. Plus, a low-meat Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, memory loss and more.

#3 Compare electricity companies

Where does your electricity come from? If you haven’t deliberately selected a renewable energy plan for your home, there’s a good chance your home is powered by fossil fuels. Earth Day is the perfect time to review your current energy plan. You can compare electricity companies and see what types of clean energy plans are available in your area (and also compare electricity rates while you’re at it).

To verify the percentage of clean energy in a plan, check the Plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL). In the “Disclosure Chart” section of the EFL document, you can find the line item “Renewable Content.”

To easily shop for renewable energy plans and compare pricing, use Everything Energy’s search and filter tools.

How it helps: Green energy has many environmental benefits such as less global warming emissions and improved public health.  

#4 Educate yourself and others

There’s always more being discovered about our environment and the effects humans have on it. Take some time to learn more about an issue that interests you — and what you can do to make a difference. Start with one of the biggest environmental problems of 2024 like food waste, air pollution or fossil fuel emissions, or choose a smaller topic. Then, share what you’ve learned with family or friends. It may inspire them to take action!

How it helps: Knowledge is power! Learning more about the issues affecting the planet can empower us to take action.

#5 Join an organized Earth Day event

If your community or neighborhood has already organized an Earth Day event, grab a family member or friend and join in. It’s a casual way to meet new people, share ideas, and learn about other local events to green up your area all year long.

How it helps: Grassroots efforts at the community level can have a powerful impact on the planet.

#6 Plant a tree

We need trees — they absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) and provide oxygen for us to breathe. If you’re able to plant a tree in your yard, you’ll be contributing many positive things to the planet, including cleaner air and water. If you’re not able to plant a tree where you live, no problem! You can also make an online donation to have one or more trees planted by organizations like One Tree Planted, the Arbor Day Foundation, and the U.S. Forest Service.

How it helps: Climate ecologists say planting 1.2 trillion trees would have huge benefits in term of absorbing atmospheric CO₂.

Conclusion

Whether you participate in one of the activities above or find another way to celebrate the day, remember: small actions add up. We can all play a part in preserving our planet for future generations this Earth Day, and all year ‘round.

To compare electricity companies, plans and rates — including renewable energy options — check out Everything Energy.

When it comes to helping the environment, small changes by individuals can add up to significant improvements for the planet.

Saving energy at home is one area where everyone can make a difference. From simple adjustments in daily routines to more significant lifestyle changes, learn how to save energy at home and how it can help the environment.

How does electricity affect the environment?

Electricity powers our lives so efficiently and effortlessly that we often lose focus of how it is generated and what affects that has on the environment.

The reality is that in 2022, the U.S. had the world’s second-most carbon dioxide (CO₂)-emitting power sector. As a nation, we were responsible for 13% of the total global emissions from electricity generation that year. Much of these emissions came from fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and petroleum.

Where do carbon emissions come from?

Fossil fuels are mostly made up of carbon and hydrogen. When fossil fuels burn, oxygen reacts with those elements to produce CO₂ and water (H2O). CO₂ is the most dangerous and prevalent greenhouse gas — a group of gases that absorb solar heat reflected by the earth’s surface, warming the atmosphere.

Other greenhouse gases include methane, nitrogen oxide and fluorinated gases. An increased amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can produce rising temperatures, higher sea levels, abnormal or extreme weather and air pollution.

The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that CO₂ emissions come from five major sectors: transportation (37%), electric power (31.4%), industrial (20%), residential (6.6%) and commercial (5%).

Though residential usage makes up a relatively small portion of emissions, we’re still talking about over 300 million metric tons of CO₂. Reducing emissions by any amount can make an impact.

Why is saving electricity important?

Because electricity generation produces a large amount of emissions and these emissions cause damage to the environment and climate, saving electricity is one way to minimize our impact on the planet. In addition to lowering carbon emissions, saving electricity can also have positive impacts on:

Air pollution
Ninety-nine percent of the global population currently breathes air with pollutants that exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline limits. Most air pollution comes from energy use and production, which includes home electricity use.

Natural resources
It took millions of years to form the fossil fuel sources we use for energy production. They are non-renewable resources — when they’re gone, they’re gone.

Ecosystems
Saving energy helps reduce air and land pollution that causes an imbalance in natural eco-systems and can impact plant and animal life.

Your budget
As the supply of fossil fuel resources becomes scarcer, the cost of electricity will surely increase. Saving electricity at home can help you save money.

The electricity grid
Conserving energy lowers the demand for it, which keeps the electricity grid stable. This is especially helpful during peak usage periods like hot afternoons or cold nights.

What are some easy ways to save energy?

All of these benefits make saving energy a win-win endeavor. But people are busy and may not be able to devote a lot of time (or resources) to making energy-saving choices. With that in mind, here are some quick and easy ways to save energy:

• Turn off lights and screens when not in use.
• Unplug electronics and small appliances when not in use to avoid phantom load.
• Lower your water heater temperature to 120° (but not lower).
• Wash regular loads of clothing with cold water.
• Clean your clothes dryer’s lint trap after every load and throw a few clean tennis balls in to help clothes dry faster.
• Wait for a full load of dishes before running your dishwasher.
• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter before you leave home.
• Keep your garage door closed.

More ways to save energy at home

If you’ve mastered the easy tips above, try some of these energy-saving tactics. They may take a little more time or resources, but they can help you lower your electricity usage:

• Insulate your walls, floors, and attic space to the recommended amount.
• Upgrade to LED lighting — a more efficient option than incandescent or CFL bulbs.
• Install a smart thermostat that can be programmed, learn your habits and comfort levels, and be controlled via your smart phone to optimize your usage.
• Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and ductwork to prevent energy waste.
• Upgrade windows to prevent heat loss in winter and avoid heat gain in summer.
• If you have a swimming pool, cover it with a solar blanket when it’s not in use.
• If you’re ready to replace an old appliance, choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated model.

Check out more energy-saving tips for every season here.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how electricity affects the environment, why saving energy is important and how to conserve energy at home. The only thing left to do is to put these energy-saving tips into practice and contribute to a cleaner, greener world!

When was the last time you shopped for electricity? Now might be the perfect time to search for low Texas energy rates. You may be able to save on Texas energy costs before the temperatures rise and you start running your air conditioner daily.

Why should I look for Texas energy rates now?

The average price of residential electricity across the nation has shown an upward trend over the past decade. And as you probably know, things start to heat up across Texas around April. Take a look at the monthly average high temperatures in the state’s major cities:

• Austin — 80°
• Dallas — 77°
• Houston — 78°
• San Antonio — 80°
• El Paso — 79°

During this off-peak season — before demand for electricity rises sky-high and the cost of electricity in Texas increases — you may be able to lock in a lower price. Follow these helpful hints to find low Texas energy rates in your area.

Tips for shopping for Texas energy rates

Keep the following in mind before you enroll in the cheapest electricity plan you see:

1. Check your current plan’s expiration date and early termination fee

The very first thing to do before shopping for electricity is to see when your current electricity plan expires. Because you’re on a contract (unless you have a month-to-month plan), there could be a fee if you switch to a new plan or provider too early.

• If your plan happens to expire in less than 14 days, you can switch to another plan without incurring an early termination fee.
• If your plan expires in the next several weeks, you can keep an eye on electricity rates and make a plan to switch when you’re within 14 days of your contract expiration date.
• If your plan doesn’t expire anytime soon, you can either wait to switch until it’s about to expire or compare rates and determine if you should pay the fee to end your current contract. If the last time you signed a contract your rate was much higher than current rates, it may be worth switching early to lock in a lower rate.

2. Choose a Texas power company you can trust

Not all electricity companies are created equally. Spending some time researching trusted Texas electricity providers now can save you headaches down the road.

Shopping with Everything Energy lets you see plans from trusted providers who have served residents across the state for many years.

3. Consider more than just price per kilowatt-hour (kWh)

When you shop for energy, you’ll often see a plan’s price per kWh listed in big numbers. A low cost per kWh price is great. But it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Often, these prices are based on usage of 2,000 kWh or more during a billing cycle. If you use less than this during a billing cycle, you may end up paying a higher price per kWh. (Note: The average U.S. household consumes about 10,500 kWh per year, which works out to 875 kWh per month. Compare your usage over the past 12 months to get a better idea of how many kWh you typically use each month.)

Before enrolling in a plan, be sure to check its Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for any additional fees.

Want to see the average monthly bill amounts for different plans based on your usage history and habits? Try Everything Energy’s easy plan search tool. You can make apples-to-apples comparisons to ensure you’ve taken all charges into account.

4. Think about your electricity needs and usage habits

In addition to helping you find low Texas energy rates, knowing your usage habits can also help you find the plan that best suits your needs.

For instance, consider whether you primarily use electricity during off-peak hours like nights or weekends. If you do, a Time of Use plan could net you lower electricity bills compared to a traditional plan. These plans offer free or discounted rates during off-peak times. This encourages people to shift their electricity usage and ease strain on the electricity grid during peak periods.

Low Texas energy rates are just a few clicks away

You could search many electricity provider sites for low Texas energy rates and evaluate each one individually. Or you could narrow your search down dramatically by using Everything Energy’s search filters to find a great plan for your specific usage history, preferences and needs. Best of all, we do the math for you so you can make direct comparisons and confidently choose a plan.

To shop for electricity the effortless way, click here.

Electricity bills can be unpredictable. This is especially true in the winter and summer months when you use your HVAC system more frequently. As 2024 rolls in, make it a resolution to manage your Texas energy rate and take control of your electricity bills.

By using some of the following strategies, you can save money, find Texas electricity plans that fit your lifestyle and use less energy at home.

#1: Understand your energy usage

Taking control of your Texas energy rate and monthly electricity bills requires you to know how much energy your household uses each month. You also need to know how much you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Knowledge is power!

Log in to your electricity account to look at your usage and billing history. Or you can review paper bills from the past 12 months.

#2: Switch to energy-efficient appliances

Many modern appliances continue to incorporate energy-saving design and technology. Energy-efficient appliances, like those with the ENERGY STAR® certification, can help you save a significant amount of electricity over time.

#3: Remedy air leaks

Air leaks around your doors and windows should be sealed so that heated (or cooled) air doesn’t escape your home. These simple DIY fixes can have a positive impact on your utility bill:

• Close the space between the bottom of an outside door and the threshold with weatherstripping.
• Seal any cracks or gaps in window frames with caulk.

#4: Use a smart thermostat

ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats can save users an average of 8% on their utility bills. A smart thermostat can automatically sense when you’re away and adjust the temperature to maximize energy efficiency. It can also be controlled from your mobile device. These are two big advantages that smart thermostats have over regular programmable thermostats.

However, if you’re working with a non-smart, programmable model, that’s ok! You can still set up a home/away schedule and avoid wasting electricity when you’re not in your house or apartment.

#5: Trade up to efficient lighting

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer. Replacing inefficient bulbs with LEDs can save the average household about $225 per year. Though they do cost more upfront, LEDs will provide big returns over their lifetime.

#6: Try average billing

If bill spikes are a regular occurrence in your household, you may want to see if your electric company offers a form of average billing.

This billing method helps smooth out your electricity bills by basing each monthly payment on a rolling 12-month average.

Texas electricity companies like Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Direct Energy, Discount Power and Cirro Energy all offer this type of billing option. (Check terms and conditions for more information about how your monthly bill will be calculated when you choose average billing.)

#7: Put your electricity bills on autopilot

To manage your Texas energy rate and keep late payments at bay, see if your electricity provider offers automatic payment options. This lets you have your monthly balance automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card each month on or before the due date.

#8: Unplug unused electronics

Vampire power is the energy wasted by electronics that are plugged in and charged but not in use. It can add dollars onto every electricity bill, costing a significant amount each year.

Stop vampire power (also known as phantom load) by unplugging devices when they’re charged and not being used.

#9: Join energy-saving programs in your area

Check to see if your utility company offers any energy-saving programs or rebates. Such programs provide incentives (like bill credits or gift cards) for participating in initiatives to conserve energy or for purchasing energy-saving appliances.

Reliant Energy is a well-known electricity company that offers rewards for energy conservation.

#10: Shop and compare for a better Texas energy rate

This is a big one! If you don’t compare electricity rates in Texas, you may not be getting the best deal for your family and lifestyle. A few cents per kWh may not seem like much, but it adds up. So, spend some time shopping for electricity, and you’ll reap the rewards for the entire term of your contract!

Everything Energy offers the search tools you need for a hassle-free electricity shopping experience. Enter your ZIP code here, and start taking control of your Texas energy rate today.

The end of 2023 is near. If you’ve bought an ENERGY STAR® certified product this year, or plan to, there may be rebates and tax credits available. Claiming these, along with securing cheap electricity rates, can help you put money back into your pocket in 2024.

What does “ENERGY STAR® certified” mean?

ENERGY STAR® is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s a certification that shows people which items are energy efficient. To earn this certification, and the helpful blue ENERGY STAR label, a product must meet strict efficiency standards. These are set by the EPA.

Why buy ENERGY STAR?

Using less energy can usually help you lower your electricity bill. Even people who are getting the best electricity deals could find more savings by becoming more energy efficient.

Since it began in 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped:

• Save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity
• Avoid over $500 billion in energy costs
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 billion metric tons

So, if you’re in the market for a new electricity-using item, it makes sense to consider one that’s ENERGY STAR certified.

What types of ENERGY STAR rebates and tax credits can I get?

Many tax credits and rebates for ENERGY STAR products vary by the item, when you bought it and where you live, among other factors.

To see what savings are available, visit ENERGY STAR’s Rebate Finder. Just type in your ZIP code. Then, all the credits and rebates available in your area will be shown.

What ENERGY STAR products have tax credits?

Under the Inflation & Reduction Act of 2022, federal income tax credits are available through 2032 for certain energy-efficiency upgrades in homes. Look for tax credits offered for:

• Heating & Cooling: air source heat pumps, central air conditioners, boilers, furnaces
• Water heating: heat pump water heaters, natural gas/oil/propane water heaters
• Building products: insulation, windows, exterior doors
• Residential clean energy: geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, solar energy systems, fuel cells, battery storage technology
• Electric panel upgrades
• Home energy audits

What ENERGY STAR products have rebates?

On top of tax credits, there may also be rebates open on some ENERGY STAR products. In addition to the items listed above, other appliances and electronics with the ENERGY STAR certification that may have incentives include:

• Smart thermostats
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators
• Washers & Dryers
• Ductless heating and cooling
• Ceiling fans and lighting
• Computers and tablets
• TVs
• Electric vehicle chargers
• Pool pumps

Energy-efficiency rebates + cheap electricity rates = savings

To maximize your savings, pair ENERGY STAR certified products with low-cost electricity rates. To find some of the best energy providers in Texas, along with plans that fit your lifestyle and rates that fit your budget, shop for electricity with Everything Energy.

Using our free search tools, you can filter energy plans by usage, term length, perks and more. Then, you can see average monthly bills and make apples-to-apples comparisons between plans. Start today — just enter your ZIP code.