Severe winter weather will impact Texas this weekend. Conditions can change quickly. Please take steps to protect your family and home. If you experience a power outage, learn how to report it here.
ENERGY-SAVING TIPS BY APPLIANCE
HVAC SYSTEM
- Regular maintenance - Schedule annual inspections and tune-ups to ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently.
- Change filters regularly - Replace or clean air filters every one to three months to improve airflow and reduce strain on the system.
- Seal ducts - Inspect and seal any leaks in your ductwork to prevent conditioned air from escaping, which can improve efficiency.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat - Set a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule, saving energy when you’re away.
- Optimize insulation - Ensure your home is well-insulated to keep the desired temperature stable and reduce the workload on your HVAC system.
- Utilize ceiling fans - Use ceiling fans to help circulate air, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer and lower in winter.
- Consider energy-efficient upgrades - If it's time to replace your HVAC system, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models that use less energy while providing effective heating and cooling.
THERMOSTAT
When it comes to thermostats, small adjustments can lead to big savings. Learn some tips to reduce energy consumption in your home, just by changing the way you use your thermostat.
THERMOSTAT
When it comes to thermostats, small adjustments can lead to big savings. Learn some tips to reduce energy consumption in your home, just by changing the way you use your thermostat.
- Adjust thermostat settings while asleep or away - Set your thermostat two to three degrees higher in the summer or lower in the winter. If you can do this for eight hours a day, it can save you up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs.
- Automate your settings - Use a programmable or smart thermostat to schedule your HVAC system to be less active when you’re not home.
- Be patient - Don’t crank the heat up or the air conditioner down to achieve a desired temperature faster. It isn’t effective, and can result in wasted energy, higher electricity bills and harm to your HVAC system.
- Check the batteries - For battery-operated thermostats, monitor the batteries — if they aren’t charged, your heater and air conditioner won’t function properly.
- Consult an expert - To ensure your thermostat is working correctly, have your HVAC specialist check it whenever you have your heater or AC serviced.
- Rely on your thermostat less - The best energy-saving tip for your thermostat is simply using it less. When it’s cold, try wearing more layers around the house and use extra blankets at night. When it’s warm, open your windows or use ceiling fans.
WASHER AND DRYER
Typically, washers and dryers consume a large amount of energy in homes. But with a few tweaks to your routine, you can save a significant amount of electricity, ensuring that you can clean your clothes without cleaning out your bank account.
WASHER AND DRYER
Typically, washers and dryers consume a large amount of energy in homes. But with a few tweaks to your routine, you can save a significant amount of electricity, ensuring that you can clean your clothes without cleaning out your bank account.
- Wash clothes less frequently - Hear us out: just because you wore something once doesn't necessarily mean it's dirty. If it looks and smells OK, there's no need to wash it.
- Choose a good time - Did you know that there are certain times of the day that are better for saving energy while doing laundry? Electricity can cost more during peak hours when more people use energy. Washing clothes in the morning during the summer and at night in the winter can help you avoid these higher-cost time frames.
- Choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified washer - ENERGY STAR® appliances use about 25% less energy than traditional models.
- Consider a front-loader - A front-loading washing machine usually uses less water than a top-loading washer.
- Wash on cold - According to ENERGY STAR®, 90% of a washer's energy use is from heating up water. Using cold or moderately warm water instead of hot water should be sufficient for most laundry loads.
- Turn down your water heater - Set your water heater to 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees so that when you do need to wash in hot water (for oily stains or to sanitize items), it will use less energy.
- Wash full loads - A washer uses the same amount of mechanical energy, no matter the load size. So, washing a full load is more energy efficient.
- Adjust the load level - If you do have to run a small load, adjust your washing machine settings so you use the right amount of time and water.
- Use high-efficiency detergent - These low-suds detergents cut down on water usage and time for front-loaders or high-efficiency top-loaders.
- Use detergent as indicated - Adding more laundry detergent than necessary will only result in more suds, causing your machine to use more energy and water to rinse them away.
- Pretreat and presoak - Pretreat stains and use the presoak option on your washing machine for heavily soiled items to avoid having to rewash them.
- Pretreat and presoak - Pretreat stains and use the presoak option on your washing machine for heavily soiled items to avoid having to rewash them.
- Upgrade your washer and dryer - When possible, upgrade your major appliances such as your washer and dryer to more energy-efficient models.
- Maintain your appliances - Stay on top of appliance maintenance — a well-cared-for appliance means less excess energy being spent.
REFRIGERATOR
Energy-efficient refrigerator practices can save you money in more ways than one. Not only will you save money on your electricity bill, but a fridge that’s operating at maximum efficiency will keep your food fresher for longer.
REFRIGERATOR
Energy-efficient refrigerator practices can save you money in more ways than one. Not only will you save money on your electricity bill, but a fridge that’s operating at maximum efficiency will keep your food fresher for longer.
- Choose Energy-Efficient models - If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, look for ENERGY STAR® rated models. They consume less energy and can lead to significant savings over time.
- Adjust the temperature - Set your refrigerator to 37°F (3°C) and your freezer to 0°F (-18°C). These temperatures keep food fresh while using less energy.
- Keep it full - A full fridge retains cold better than an empty one. If you don’t have enough food, consider filling containers with water or ice to help maintain cold temperatures.
- Check door seals - Make sure the door seals are tight. Clean the seals and replace them if they’re damaged to prevent cold air from escaping.
- Watch the vents - Make sure your fridge isn’t so full that you’re blocking the air circulation. Arrange items to allow for proper airflow.
- Minimize opening the door - Try to limit the number of times you open the refrigerator door and avoid leaving it open for extended periods to maintain internal temperature.
- Keep it clean - Regularly clean the coils at the back or underneath the refrigerator. Dust and debris can hinder efficiency, making the fridge work harder.