Energy-Efficient Tips That’ll Save You Money This Summer

As the weather heats up in the Central Texas area, keep in mind there are ways to reduce the cost of that hefty summer energy bill headed your way. These energy-efficient tips should help save you money this summer:

1. Washing your clothes in cold water could save you up to $63 a year.
2. Install a Nest Thermostat to save nearly 10 percent on heating and cooling costs.
3. Turn off all lights, appliances and electronics you are not using. A power strip is an easy way to help you turn off multiple items at once. Not only will this save money on electricity, but it will likely also decrease the amount of heat released in your home.
4. Replace your current light bulbs with an energy-efficient option. These not only last longer, but they also reduce your energy by about 30 to 80 percent. Energy-efficient options include halogen incandescent, CFLs and LEDs.
5. The ENERGY STAR label, placed on a wide range of consumer products by the government, can save you up to 30 percent on your electricity bills. Look for this sticker when shopping for light bulbs, appliances, etc.
6. Save money on your water bill by installing low-flow faucets and showerheads.
7. Change your air filter to ensure easy flow and less strain on your air conditioner. The dirtier the filter, the harder the A/C has to work.
8. Set your water heater to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and wrap the storage tank in a specially-designed blanket to retain the heat.
9. Buy window shades and blinds. Close them during the summer months to keep the hot sun rays out – keeping the home cooler – and open them up in the winter to bring in the warm rays.
10. Sealing air leaks and ensuring proper insulation can save you up to 20 percent on your heating and cooling bills.

How do you know where you can save money? Contact a local professional in your area to come out and perform an energy audit. This evaluation will show you the inefficiencies and wasted energy in your home. These professionals typically charge by square footage or by the hour. With this information in hand, you are now well on your way to decreasing your energy bill and footprint this summer.

Have questions about these energy-efficient tips? Looking for a professional to come out and evaluate your home? Give us a call. We would be more than happy to connect you with an experienced and reliable professional in the Central Texas area.