Stay efficient all year long

Texas weather can be tough. Extreme temperatures and unpredictable events can have a big impact on our families, communities and homes. But even when the weather is somewhat routine, seasonal temperature spikes have a measurable effect on our energy usage.

The key to keeping electricity costs in check, no matter the time of year, is knowledge. Understanding your seasonal energy usage patterns and learning some simple energy-saving tips can help you cut back on consumption and reduce energy costs.

Comprehending home energy consumption

The average American household consumes a little under 11,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity every year. In Texas, the average is a bit higher thanks to our long, hot summers. Knowing how your home stacks up can be the first step in managing your energy usage and costs.

Understanding your home’s energy usage patterns

To truly maximize your home energy savings, you need to identify the patterns of energy usage in your home. And to do that, you can start with an energy audit.

The importance of an energy audit

An energy audit can be easier than it may initially sound. Power providers sometimes offer them to customers, as do state and local government agencies. However, you can start your energy audit yourself by reviewing the data you already have.

• Gather your electricity bills for the past 24 months, and start looking at how your energy costs and usage change over time.
• Identify your cost per kWh, which should be found on your electricity bill.
• Pay attention to year-over-year use to compare this year’s costs and usage to previous years.
• Look at any big shifts in costs or usage around the times the seasons change.
• Consider installing a smart meter or energy monitor so you can see your energy consumption in real time.

Optimal strategies for seasonal energy conservation

Once you have a good handle on how your household uses energy, you can use the trends you uncovered to create a year-round strategy to become an energy saver.

Summer strategies: Beat the heat with energy efficiency

In summer, you expect to see changes in your electricity bills because of increased air conditioning use. Follow these tips when saving energy during the steamy-hot summer months.

• Use blackout drapes or shades to block the sun from interior spaces and keep them cooler.
• Help lower overall cooling costs by following the 4X4 rule. Raise your air conditioning temperature 4 degrees if you’ll be away from home 4 hours or more.
• Use fans to cool rooms to lessen the load on your air conditioner. Remember to turn them off when no one is using the space.
• Cook outside whenever possible to keep from heating up your home, or make meals that don’t need to be cooked.
• Use LED lights and avoid incandescent light bulbs, which produce heat.
• Look into outdoor energy savings, which can also help you be more efficient in summer.

Fall energy-saving tips: Prep for the chill

Autumn can still be pretty steamy in Texas and many parts of the country, but you know the cold weather is just around the corner. Take advantage of the warm days and cool evenings to prepare for what’s ahead.

• Schedule an HVAC tune-up for your furnace to make sure it’s in good working order.
• Replace your air filter.
• Clean up around your outdoor air conditioning unit and remove any debris.
• Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise so they pull cool air up and push warm air down.
• Check windows and doors for any gaps or air leaks that could lead to heat loss. Seal up window gaps with caulk, and replace weatherstripping around doors.
• Lower your thermostat when you’re going to be out or at night before bed.

Winter tips: Keep cozy and conserve energy

Across Texas, winter brings a spectrum of cooler weather, from frigid temperatures and snowfall to balmy days, freezing rain and even Arctic blasts. Here are some ways you can be ready to save.

• Check your air ducts. Make sure they aren’t being blocked by furniture or curtains.
• Scale back your thermostat to a comfortable but reasonable temperature, around 68 degrees during the day. Program your furnace to go lower at night or when you’re away.
• Insulate your hot water heater and water pipes to protect them from freezing.
• Close your fireplace damper when you aren’t using it to prevent heat loss.
• Open blinds and curtains on sunny days for natural warmth and then close them at night so warm air doesn’t escape.
• If you put up holiday light displays, use a timer to control usage, and opt for LED bulbs whenever possible.
• Use an energy-efficient electric blanket at night so you can keep the thermostat low.

Spring into savings: Fresh energy use tips

Spring usually brings welcome relief from the cold weather, but it also often brings rain, storms and even hail. It also brings new opportunities to save on those energy bills as your usage starts to come down from winter’s peak.

• Switch your ceiling fans back to turn counterclockwise, pushing cool air down.
• Adjust your thermostat to stay at a slightly higher temperature when you aren’t home.
• Take advantage of nice weather days by opening the windows to let natural air flow and breezes cool your home. Make sure your HVAC system is off when you do this.
• Schedule another tune-up with your HVAC technician to ensure your air conditioner is ready for warmer weather. 
• Replace your air filter and clean up around your outdoor air conditioning unit.
• If you have an electric water heater, keep the temperature low in warmer months.

Easy ways to incorporate everyday energy saving

No matter what season it is, there are lots of ways you can reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills all throughout the year.

Small changes that can help you save money across seasons

• Learn to save energy with the appliances you already have. 
• Turn off lights when you leave the room.
• Turn off electronics, and be sure to unplug chargers and devices when not in use.
• When washing clothes, set the cycle on your washing machine to cold water instead of hot.
• Hang clothes to air-dry.
• Use the “no heat dry” setting on the dishwasher.
• Install awnings over sunny windows to reduce the amount of heat that comes in.
• Replace fluorescent lighting and incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat to schedule your heating and cooling.
• Install low-flow showerheads to save both water and energy costs by using less hot water.
• Plan home improvements, such as adding renewable energy sources like solar, and explore rebates and incentives.
• Consider installing a heat pump that draws warm and cool air from the outside instead of generating it.

Lighting solutions that can help you save

LED bulbs use about three-quarters less energy than incandescents. They’re also relatively inexpensive and long-lasting. When you make the switch to LEDs, you can save money every year on both energy costs and bulb replacements.

High-efficiency appliances for every home

It isn’t realistic to replace every single appliance in your home, but for those nearing the end of their lifespans, it might pay off to start considering an energy-efficient replacement. Energy Star appliances are rated for energy efficiency and will save you money while optimizing operations. Look for energy-efficient dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, water heaters and HVAC systems.

Window solutions to enhance insulation

There are many ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your windows, from the simple (caulking around air leaks and changing weatherstripping) to the complex (adding storm windows, installing gas-filled windows, putting up awnings, or replacing with double- or triple-pane windows).

Advanced tips for maximizing savings

Ready to level up your energy efficiency? Here are some steps you can take to better manage energy costs.

Smart thermostats: Control and convenience

A programmable smart thermostat that's integrated with your smart home can be a convenient way to save. Set a heating and cooling schedule designed around you and your family to ensure you’re comfortable when you’re home and not wasting energy when you’re not. Plus, look into the advantages of an automated smart thermostat that learns your habits for effortless efficiency.

Water heating efficiency

Look for a water heater with a high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating. Both tankless and heat pump water heaters are more efficient than their traditional counterparts, but if you aren’t ready to upgrade, you can also look at insulating your existing water heater.

The role of insulation in year-round comfort

Your home’s insulation acts as a thermal barrier to keep indoor temperatures consistent and steady. If you’re losing heat in the winter or cool air in the summer, it may be time to inspect your insulation and consider replacing or updating it. Spray foam insulation is widely considered to be the most energy efficient.

Maintenance plans and DIY tips

It’s possible to keep your home comfortable in every season while still reducing your energy consumption. A key part of doing that is maintaining your home’s equipment and staying on top of weatherization needs.

Regular maintenance for peak performance

One of the most important things you can do to maximize your efficiency? Have your HVAC system inspected regularly by a professional. Change air filters every 1-3 months, and schedule a tune-up twice a year.

This approach is true of all of your appliances and home heating and cooling systems. Inspect and stay on top of potential problems before they occur.

DIY weatherization techniques

Get ready for whatever the weather brings by performing a few weatherization tasks.

• Put door sweeps on the bottoms of your doors.
• Add insulating gaskets behind light switches and outlets.
• Wrap pipes in advance of freezing weather.
• Flush your water heater.
• Insulate floors above unheated/cooled garages.
• Cover the entrance to the attic stairs.
• Keep your refrigerator clean for maximum efficiency.

Stay consistent season after season

There’s no better time to start planning for the coming season than the one we’re currently in. Your best plan of action is to start preparing now. Reliant is here to help with efficiency tips, energy management tools and electricity choices that can help you save.