Frontier Utilities serves over 30 thousand customers in Texas alone. Headquartered in Houston, we’re more than familiar with the blistering Texas summer. Whether you spend your summers in Fort Worth or Missouri City, one thing is for sure: local weather is guaranteed to make you break a sweat.
Local weather indexes across Texas average at about 96 degrees from June to August. Electricity usage will generally increase during these months. So what are Texans doing to brave the hot summer months while controlling their electricity bill?
All hail the programmable thermostat
This will be your best friend during the Texas summer and your best bet to outsmart your local weather….financially that is. With thermostats as low as $25.00, this investment will help manage your home’s temperature and electricity usage. This is by far the easiest way to save energy and lower your bill. Program your thermostat around 80 degrees or higher while at work, and set it to automatically lower the temperature in the evening before you return home. Cutting your air off completely in the morning will actually use more electricity to re-cool the entire home once you return. Programmable thermostats can even be set by the day, so you can adjust your weekend temperatures too! Some Frontier Utilities customers may even be eligible for a complimentary smart thermostat. Find out if you qualify, here.
Invest in ‘Blackout’ Curtains
Besides adding personality to a boring room, curtains cool and protect homes from the vicious Texas heat. Blackout curtains are especially created to block out sun, therefore keeping your home cooler without abusing your air conditioning. Contrary to the name, blackout curtains come in a wide array of colors and chic designs. Consider purchasing these curtains for the rooms in your home that receive the most sunlight.
Not every fan is your friend
Not all fans are created equal…especially in the summer months. Lingering cooking aromas sometimes call for the use of a vent fan like the ones found over most stoves, but use these fans sparingly. It pulls in hot outside air, causing your AC to work much harder. This is also the case for bathroom vent fans. Ceiling fans, however, are a great option for keeping rooms in your home 4-6 degrees cooler.
Seal Windows and Attics
Many Texas homes are equipped with attics. While this is a great place for storage, it’s also a great place for major air leaks making it difficult to maintain the desired temperature in your home. This DIY project may be a bit challenging for beginners, but the benefits are substantial. Sealing your attic will also improve winter energy costs. Consider hiring a qualified contractor to ensure your sealing project is done correctly. For a simpler DIY task, seal and weather strip drafty windows and doors as well.
Work Your Green Thumb
Who can’t appreciate trees? They add character to the community, improve the environment, and help Texans survive cruel summers. Planting trees around your home will drastically reduce your energy bill and save you up to 20%. While the enjoying the benefits of a tree takes time, planting them adds undeniable value to your home. Frontier partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation in 2014 to offer Houston and Dallas customers complimentary shade trees. If you are interested in this program, visit the Arbor Day Foundation Energy Saving Trees website to find out more.
Want more? We’ve got even more energy saving tips for summer, here.