Summer is in season! It’s time for vacations, backyard barbecues, and enjoying fun in the sun with friends and family. And when you’re cooling off at home, here are a few ways to keep your usage in check and your wallet happy.
Around your space: Small habits and updates can help make your home more energy efficient and save on electricity.
You’ll reduce your electricity use with every degree you raise it.
It’s a cost-effective way to stay cool while you’re in a room. You can raise the thermostat up to 4° without losing any comfort.
Use caulk or weatherstrips to help prevent cool air from escaping your home and hot air from entering. This helps your A/C maintain a comfy temperature in your home.
Fresh filters help air circulate more efficiently so your A/C doesn’t have to work as hard. It’s a good idea to check your filter every few months, or more often if you have pets.
Water heating uses more energy in your home than you might think. Washing clothes in cold water can cut your washer’s energy usage in half. *
All electronics generate heat, even if it’s switched off. To keep things cool, unplug any electronics or appliances you’re not using. Though it’s a small amount per device, all the gadgets in your home add up, and it can make a few degrees of difference.
Budget Resources: More ways we can help you control your space and electricity bill
You can always see how much energy you’re using in your MyAmbit account. Your usage history gives you a snapshot down to the hour so you can see the best times to adjust your thermostat.
If you need extra time with a bill, please call us at (877) 282-6248, M-SU, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. CT. And if you or someone you know could use bill-payment assistance, please visit 211texas.org or call 2-1-1 to find programs in your area.
*Sources: Energy.gov