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.

Even if you’ve thoroughly shopped for the cheapest electricity rates and best electricity deals, and even if you’ve locked in one of the best electricity rates available, you could still be paying a scary price for vampire power.

What is vampire power?

Vampire power is the energy that certain electronics and electrical appliances continue to draw from electrical outlets, even when turned off or idle. It’s also referred to as standby power, phantom load or idle load.

Whatever you choose to call it, it’s a serious waste of energy and money. And it’s most likely happening in your home right now.

Where does vampire power lurk?

One way to identify electronics that consume power even in “off” or “sleep” mode is by an always-on LED. This could appear as a digital clock on a set-top box, a lit-up charging indicator or another type of status light.

Common items that consume standby power that you may have in your home include:

• Battery chargers for tablets and smartphones
• External power supplies for laptops and printers
• TV set-top boxes, DVD players, video game consoles and Internet routers/modems
• Smart appliances

What is the cost of vampire power?

Even though individual devices may not use huge amounts of vampire power, when you look at all the idle load in your home, it can really add up.

Although the amount of vampire power used varies from home to home, estimates say that always-on energy use by inactive devices can quickly add up to $100-200 a year in an average household.

Luckily, there are some simple ways to lose less to vampire power — and keep more of your hard-earned money.

The best electricity rates can’t slay vampire power — but you can!

As we mentioned, you may have one of the best electricity rates in Texas. But vampire power can quickly drain those savings. If you’re ready to banish phantom load, try these five tips:

1. Optimize your devices

Many devices — like computer screens, tablets and smartphones — let you adjust their energy efficiency settings. Take a look and see if you can minimize standby power consumption. Even some microwaves have power-saving modes that turn off the display — clock and all — when not in use.

2. Use a watt meter to find the biggest vampires

Buy or borrow a watt meter to figure out which electronics are consuming the most standby power. You can address these items first to make the biggest impact.

3. Use smart plugs and power strips

You can plug in electronics to a smart plug or power strip so they only draw power when needed. When you don’t need to use them, use your smartphone to turn the plug off, cutting power to the device. You can even set schedules for smart plugs to turn on and off at certain times. 

4. Manually unplug rarely used or fully charged devices

If you have a TV in a guest room that only gets used a few times a month, it doesn’t need to stay plugged in. The same goes for devices like smartphones, tablets, electric razors, power banks and other items that have been fully charged. Just unplug them to stop the energy drain in its tracks.

5. Buy more efficient appliances and electronics

If it’s time to replace an electronic device or appliance in your home, check out ENERGY STAR®-rated products. Items with an ENERGY STAR label have been externally certified against strict performance requirements and shouldn’t consume much standby power.

Run an electricity price comparison for greater savings

Eliminating vampire power, following energy-saving tips and finding the best electricity rates for your home and lifestyle are three ways to optimize your energy bill.

To search for some of the best electricity rates available in your area and make apples-to-apples electricity price comparisons, shop at EverythingEnergy.com.

In August 2023, a rule that would effectively ban the sale of common incandescent and halogen light bulbs went into full effect. Those types of bulbs do not meet the minimum standard of emitting 45 lumens per watt, making them energy inefficient. One of the most eco-friendly alternatives is the light-emitting diode (LED). And if you’ve been paying close attention over the past several years, many Texas Energy Providers have recommended switching to LEDs.

Read on for more information about the future of lighting: LEDs.

What are LEDs? And how do LEDs work?

LEDs differ from other types of lighting. As ENERGY STAR explains, “An electrical current passes through a microchip, which illuminates the tiny light sources we call LEDs and the result is visible light.”

Heat created by the LEDs is absorbed into a heat sink. This keeps it from getting too hot and burning out. In fact, LEDs don’t usually “burn out” like we’re used to seeing with other types of lighting. Instead, their brightness slowly dims over time.

If you look at the packaging of an LED light, the lifetime listed is actually a prediction of when the light output decreases by 30%.

Why do Texas Energy Providers recommend LEDs so highly?

LED light bulbs offer a number of advantages over other light bulb types. Here are a few reasons why electric companies in Texas recommend we all switch to LEDs:

LEDs save energy

Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy (and up to 90% less energy) than incandescent light bulbs. If everyone used LEDs instead, this energy savings would significantly reduce carbon emissions.

LEDs save money

As they use so much less energy than regular bulbs, LEDs can help you lower your electricity bill. Lighting makes up about 15% of an average home’s electricity usage. Using LEDs instead of traditional bulbs can save an average of $225 per year.

LEDs last longer

It’s true that LEDs cost more than regular bulbs at the time of purchase. However, LEDs last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. That means over time, you won’t need to buy nearly as many LED replacement bulbs for a fixture as you would if you used regular bulbs. Plus, the cost of LEDs continues to drop. This fact, combined with the money-saving efficiency of LEDs, gets you to a break-even point faster than in the past.

And while there are some drawbacks to LEDs (such as blue light exposure and increased light pollution) that need to be researched and addressed, they do show promising advantages over incandescent and other types of lighting.

What are some of the savings I can expect from an LED?

While you may or may not want to run out and replace all of your household lighting with LEDs at once, you can begin with impactful baby steps. Replacing bulbs in high-usage areas (like the kitchen and living room) is a great place to start. And replacing high-wattage bulbs with LED-equivalents will help you lower your usage.

Even one bulb can make a difference. For example, replacing a 43-watt halogen bulb with a 9-watt ENERGY STAR® rated LED bulb of the same luminosity could save $4.76 per year. And that’s just one bulb!

What else should I know about LEDs?

Texas energy providers like Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy, Direct Energy, Cirro Energy and Discount Power are examples of companies that embrace energy efficiency. Adopting LEDs is one easy way that homes and businesses can do just that.

You can also turn to ENERGY STAR® for more information about LEDs. Check out their LED purchasing checklist and their Choose a Light Guide to help you find the perfect LEDs for every room in your home.

Find and compare electricity rates in Texas

Residents of the Lone Star State have the power to choose Texas electricity providers for their homes! To make quick apples-to-apples comparisons of electric companies and plans, and sign up with just a few clicks, check out Everything Energy.

If you’re looking to save on electricity costs, one way is to invest in ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances. Let’s take a look at what ENERGY STAR is and perform some energy comparisons. You might be surprised to see how much a new energy-efficient appliance could save you.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. It is run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

When you see the blue ENERGY STAR label on an appliance or other electronic equipment, you know right away that an item has been externally certified against strict performance requirements.

Why would a company want their product to be ENERGY STAR rated? First, it meets the growing consumer demand for efficiency and sustainability. Second, providing energy-efficient products helps protect the environment, improve air quality, and protect public health. It’s a win-win for all.

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

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

How can ENERGY STAR appliances help me save money?

There are two costs to every appliance: what you pay to buy it and what you pay in energy (and water) costs to use it.

Owning an energy-efficient appliance will help you use less energy than one that meets the minimum federal requirements. Using less electricity helps lower your monthly energy bill. For appliances that are heavily used — like refrigerators, laundry machines or dishwashers — the monthly savings can add up.

If you’re in the market for a new appliance, perform an electricity comparison between the models you’re interested in. There should be a noticeable difference in kilowatt hour usage between the ENERGY STAR appliances and non-rated options.

Energy comparisons of 4 major appliances

We’ll begin with refrigerators since they’re plugged in and running all day, every day.

A refrigerator/freezer model must use approximately 9% less energy than a model that meets the federal minimum energy efficiency standards in order to earn the ENERGY STAR rating. Energy-efficient features of these units include:

• High-efficiency compressors that emit less heat and use less energy
• Improved insulation
• Efficiency temperature and defrost systems

If you want to be energy efficient, you should replace your refrigerator if it’s more than 15 years old. That’s because an old fridge could cost up to 30% more to run than a new ENERGY STAR unit. And keep in mind that the most energy efficient full-size fridge/freezer combos are between 16 to 20 cubic feet.

Energy comparisons of dishwasher efficiency

Next up are dishwashers — a modern convenience that more than half of households in the U.S. possess.

Compared to standard models, ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers use 12% less energy. Over a 10-year period, an efficient dishwasher can also save about 3,870 gallons of water.

ENERGY STAR dishwashers have energy-efficient features including:

• Soil sensors that test for dish cleanliness and adjust as needed
• Better water filtration that removes food from the wash water as the cycle runs
• Efficient jets to spray detergent and water
• Innovative dish rack design to maximize your load

Energy comparisons of clothes washer efficiency

Moving on to the laundry room, we’ll first look at clothes washers.

ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines use around 20% less energy than regular models. They also use 30% less water — around 14 gallons, compared to the standard 20 gallons.

Additionally, ENERGY STAR-rated front-load washers use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than a top-load washer with an agitator.

Technology that helps deliver added efficiency to washers includes water-conserving wash systems and high spin speeds.

To get the maximum efficiency while doing laundry, pair an ENERGY STAR washer with an ENERGY STAR dryer.

Energy comparisons of clothes dryer efficiency

An efficient clothes dryer uses about 20% less energy than a standard model, which can help lower your electricity bill — especially if you have a lot of laundry to wash but don’t like to hang your clothes to dry.

ENERGY STAR rated dryers often feature:

• Sensors that can tell when clothes are dry
• Lower heat settings to conserve energy
• Delayed start option, which can help you save money if you’re on a Time of Use electricity plan that charges less per kilowatt hour during certain times of the day
• A steam cycle, to avoid having to iron clothes once they’re dry

Together with ENERGY STAR clothes washers, efficient dryers can help maximize your energy savings. In fact, ENERGY STAR certified laundry sets use 25% less energy and 33% less water.

Compare power plans for even greater savings

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances when necessary can help you save on energy costs over the lifetime of the product. You can also compare electricity rates with an energy broker to help take control of your energy bill today.

To compare electricity prices, plans and providers the easy way, simply enter your ZIP code and start shopping with Everything Energy!

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.

Average Electricity Costs? Try Energy-Saving Tips – everything energy

At Everything Energy, we love us some good energy-saving tips. That’s especially true during the hot Texas summers. Check out these five cheapest energy hacks to help you use your air conditioner a little less and beat the heat. (And trim some dollars off your next electric bill.)

Cheap Energy Hack #1: Maximize your thermostat settings

Going for a cheaper energy bill? Start with your thermostat. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it according to your household’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. (Unless you have 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 a big impact on your monthly bill.

Cheap Electricity Hack #2: Seal air leaks to keep cool air inside

It doesn’t make sense to run your AC 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. And if you rent, ask your landlord to take care of the issue. It’s essential to keep the cool air in and the hot air out to avoid waste.

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

Cheap Energy Hack #3: Avoid adding more heat

When you’re going for the cheapest energy bill in summer, the last thing you want to do is add more heat to your home. For this reason, avoid using your clothes dryer, dishwasher and oven/stove during the day. Instead, try to run loads of dishes at night, hang clothes to dry and grill outdoors or have a chilled meal.

Cheap Energy Hack #4: Eat to hydrate

About 20% of the water our bodies need comes from the foods we eat. For optimal hydration, which will help you regulate your body temperature, eat foods that contain a lot of water. The following foods contain 92% or more water content: cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, celery, radishes, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, strawberries and watermelon.

Cheap Electricity Hack #5: Get creative at night

Falling asleep in hot weather can be tricky and just plain uncomfortable. Instead of running your air conditioner all night — running up your bill — open your windows and try some other ways to beat the heat:

• Stick a clean pair of socks in the freezer an hour before you go to bed. Then, put them on as you hop in bed for a refreshing cool-down. This also works with your pillowcases or even your sheets.
• Use an ice cube or cold water on pulse points to cool off.
• If your bedroom is upstairs, camp out on a lower level. Heat rises, so a room closer to the ground should be cooler and more comfortable.
• Store lotions and face sprays in the refrigerator for a cooling bedtime skincare routine.
• Take a cold shower right before bed.
• Sleep in lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting pajamas.

Avoiding summer spikes starts with getting the cheapest electricity rates.

You can cut back and optimize your air conditioner usage to your heart’s content. But at the end of the day, you’ll still be using some electricity every month. That’s where finding the best energy prices for your home and lifestyle comes in.

In your search for the best electricity prices, be sure you’re making apples-to-apples comparisons. One easy way to do so is to use Everything Energy’s advanced filtering tools. We help you look beyond the price per kilowatt hour and show you plans based on your specific needs and usage habits. You can even see customized bill estimates! That way, you can be confident you’re making a smart energy choice.

Shopping for electricity has never been so easy!

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!