Help your bill weather the lingering summer heat
Try our simple tips to save now and into next year
The rest of the country may be turning its thoughts to pumpkin spice and sweater weather, but we Texans still have plenty of sweaty days ahead. Use these tips to help minimize those hot-weather bills. Remember, your bill reflects your energy use last month, so take action now: Your future self will thank you!
Changes you can make today
Start saving immediately by understanding your energy use and making smart conservation choices. Monitor your use and set up alerts using our free SmartHub app, and follow our energy-saving tips.
Here are five energy-saving ideas for the summer months to help reduce your bills:
- Test your HVAC unit with a digital thermometer. It’s simple and inexpensive and will indicate if you need to schedule a tune-up.
- Check your HVAC air filters monthly, and replace them when needed to keep your system running efficiently.
- Bump the thermostat 3–5 degrees closer to the outdoor temperature when you leave home for long periods — but don’t turn it off entirely. Learn more about thermostat settings.
- If it runs constantly, your water heater could be costing you an extra $50 more each month. Install a timer on your water heater that shuts off the unit when you don’t need hot water.
- Install a timer on your pool pump so it runs the minimum amount of time needed to maintain water quality.
Looking for even more savings? Read our Energy Service Advisor-approved tips!
Small changes today for big savings tomorrow
Well-placed landscaping for an unshaded home can cut air-conditioning costs by as much as half, according to energy.gov. October is prime tree-planting season in Central Texas, so consider planting trees or a trellis that will shade the south and west sides of your home to help reduce your electric bill next summer.
Follow us on social media and keep an eye out for our Power Rush Hour peak alerts. This campaign is designed to reduce the entire cooperative’s energy use during peak times, to help avoid increased transmission costs. Through September, remember to reduce and shift use your energy use from 3-7 p.m. and avoid using large appliances during peak times.
If you’re still having trouble making ends meet, don’t suffer alone in the heat. Our Member Assistance Program can help qualifying members pay their electric bills, and other area nonprofits may be able to lend assistance as well. Learn more or call us at 888-554-4732 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.