7 hours ago
How to cut down your summer energy bill
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — While our weather has stayed on the cooler and wet side, summers in Texoma always end up HOT HOT HOT.
According to recent research by Texas Electricity Ratings, Texans spend an average of $149.76 on their monthly electric bills, but summer months cause this to rise more than 53% to $229.54.
For those looking to lower their monthly bill, here are a few tips and tricks.
Household appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, increase the heat buildup in your home, causing your air conditioner to run extra.
Running these appliances during off-peak hours when electric usage is cheaper and when the heat is lesser will save you money in the long run and also reduce humidity levels.
Humid air can make cooling your body down more difficult. Not only would running a dehumidifier help keep cooling costs down, but it also improves your indoor air quality.
Plants absorb and reflect some of the sun's heat, helping to keep rooms cooler naturally.
Houseplants can absorb excess moisture in the air naturally, reducing home temperatures.
Plus, they are great decor and can also improve air quality.
Blackout curtains are a good purchase all the way around. Keeping them drawn during the day will keep outdoor heat out, lessening the need to run your AC.
Plus, blackout curtains can also improve your sleep quality, keeping your room dark and cool all night.
If you aren't using it, unplug it. It is that simple.
Many home appliances still drain energy even when they are turned off. TVs and gaming consoles are a great example of this.
Electronic devices can also increase the levels of trapped heat.
Any gaps around windows and doors allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter the house. By ensuring all draft areas are filled with silicone-based caulk or weather stripping, the temperature of your home will be more manageable.
A power-consumption meter helps monitor energy-draining appliances and could act as a helpful reminder to unplug devices.
Other smart devices, such as lighting that adjusts brightness based on natural light or can be scheduled and a smart thermostat that can be controlled from your phone, will help keep energy bills lower.
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