Fall in Texas is that sweet spot between triple-digit summers and unpredictable cold snaps. It’s also your chance to get ahead of higher winter energy bills. By locking in smart habits now, you’ll stay cozy later without giving your wallet frostbite.
Here are five energy-saving moves to make this fall that’ll pay off big when the temperatures drop.
1. Get Friendly With Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the quarterback of your energy team. If you’re still walking over and adjusting it by hand, it might be time for an upgrade.
Smart thermostats learn your routine and adjust temps automatically.
Set it and forget it: Keep daytime temps around 68°F when you’re home, and a little lower when you’re not.
Use scheduling features to pre-heat your home before waking up or getting back from work.
Even without a smart thermostat, consistency matters. Avoid wide temperature swings, which make your system work harder.
2. Seal Up the Sneaky Leaks
A little fall breeze is nice, unless it's creeping in around your windows and doors.
Weatherstripping and caulking are easy fixes for leaky seals.
Check attic access doors, electrical outlets, and dryer vents for drafts.
Use the incense or tissue test near doors and windows. If it moves, you’ve got a leak.
Sealing leaks helps your heater work less and keeps the warm air where it belongs.
3. Swap Out Air Filters (And Keep Swapping)
Your HVAC system needs to breathe. A dirty air filter clogs that up fast, forcing your system to work harder and burn more energy.
Check filters monthly and replace every 1 to 3 months.
If you have pets or allergies, change them more often.
Stock up in the fall so you're not scrambling in the middle of winter.
4. Let the Sun Give You a Free Boost
In the summer, you keep the blinds closed to block the heat. In the winter, flip the script.
Open south-facing curtains during the day to soak up solar warmth.
Close them at night to trap the heat inside.
Skip dark, heavy window coverings that keep sunlight out completely.
This passive heating trick costs nothing and keeps your heater from doing all the heavy lifting.
5. Audit Your Lighting (And Switch to LED)
Shorter days mean lights stay on longer. Old-school incandescent bulbs eat up more electricity than you’d think.
Switch to LEDs in high-use fixtures like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.
Check outdoor lights for efficiency too. Fall is a good time to add motion sensors or timers.
Use light where you need it, not just by habit.
LEDs last longer and use a fraction of the energy, making your home brighter and more efficient.
Plus, Track What You're Using
If you're a Rhythm Energy customer, you're already getting weekly Smart Alerts that show your usage and projected bill. Use those insights to adjust your habits in real time.
Not a Rhythm customer yet? These types of tools can help you stay on top of your usage before high bills sneak up on you.
Fall Into Good Energy Habits
Fall is your tune-up season. By building smart habits now, you’ll be ready for whatever winter throws your way, whether it’s a mild dip or a deep freeze.
Small changes like sealing leaks, switching bulbs, and using sunlight wisely can add up to serious savings.
