It’s summer. It’s Texas. It’s hot. Not a lot we can do about that. But we can help you discover ways to conserve energy and stay cool this summer. In this blog, we're going to discuss various strategies to help you stay comfortable and save energy this summer without increasing your electric bill.
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Save energy and stay cool with these 11 summer tips
Easy and breezy. It sounds counterintuitive, but if your AC is faulty, opening windows and using ceiling fans helps create airflow through your home. Even though that air might be warmer than you want, at least it’s moving. Just put on a Hawaiian shirt and pour a cold beverage and pretend you’re on the beach.
Don’t let sleep be a nightmare. You could put this under the “this is extreme” hack list, but we’re a fan of it. An hour or so before you go to bed, put your PJs and sheets in the freezer. Trust us. It’ll be like lying on a blanket of ice and could be just what you need to cool down before snooze o’ clock.
Sayonara, sunlight. If you have a window or windows that get a lot of sun during the day, it’s a great idea to keep the curtains closed for much of the day to keep the cool in and the heat out. Darken up your place, throw on a scary movie, and call it a day. It’s a great way to save energy!
Eat cold food items. Do you really need an excuse to eat ice cream? We don’t. We highly recommend gelato or stopping the ice cream truck as it drives through the neighborhood and grabbing yourself a cooldown. Even if it’s short-lived, every little bit helps.
Use energy saver mode on your AC. We all love AC. But we don’t all love the price of making it work overtime in the summer. Utilize any apps or programs that come with your unit—like energy-save mode and timed cooling—and always be sure to set it around 80 degrees when you’re not home. This is one of the best ways to save energy.
Unplug all the extras. This might seem like a no-brainer, but turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use. This ranges from microwaves and blenders to iPads and TVs. This will use less energy and help lower your electricity bill. When in doubt, always opt for energy-efficient appliances that use less energy.
Get a tune-up. Think of it like an oil change for a car before a big road trip. Make sure your AC is in great condition and schedule regular maintenance to get the best out of it. Keeping your vents clear is also key.
Drink water. Staying hydrated is important. If you like to cool down with a margarita, we are your ally. But make sure you have water on the side.
Avoid using the stove or oven. Cooking can be a stress reliever, but in the dead of summer, it’s just a heater for your home. Stick to the microwave or grill outside if you can.
Find a friend with a pool or head to the beach. If you are tired of being stuck indoors and want to embrace the heat, kudos to you. Head to a pool or beach or lake and relish in the heatwave.
Stay cool with Time of Use electricity plans. Consider opting for a TOU plan, which offers lower rates during off-peak hours. By adjusting your energy usage to these times, like running appliances during off-peak hours, you can save on your electricity bill while keeping comfortable!
We hope that these tips come in handy as you battle the hot Texas summer. If you're looking for a renewable energy plan that is energy efficient and powered by wind or solar, check out our Texas electricity plans.
