Avoiding ‘heat stress’ this summer
This month marks the start of the Time-Of-Use Rate, which includes 20 hours per day of the regular rate you’ve been paying per kilowatt hour, and 4 hours per day, from 3 p.m. through 7 p.m. (Central), weekdays, the Peak rate is in effect. All of us are paying closer attention to energy efficiency, as we head towards the heat of summer. Anything you can do to conserve energy will save money in the long run. With this in mind, here are a few ideas to help control your energy usage.
Installing a smart thermostat is 1 of the simplest ways to manage home energy use. They are easy to install and allow you to control your cooling/heating system from your phone. You can purchase an ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostat for as low as $100, which can save about 8% on annual heating and cooling costs.This upgrade will quickly pay for itself, and you’ll gain insight into better ways to heat and cool your home.
Smart LED bulbs offer convenient control and help boost energy savings. With smart lighting, you can set a schedule for when your lights should be turned on or off. You control them with your phone, so you never have to worry if you rush out without turning off the lights. Smart lights come in a variety of shapes, colors and brightness levels––and they are available for both indoor and outdoor use. You can also schedule smart lights to come at night automatically for security, so you never have to worry about coming home to a dark house.
Sealing air leaks is a simple and low cost way to save energy and lower your bills. Weather stripping around doors and windows can reduce wasted energy and make you feel more comfortable. Filling gaps with caulk can also improve the seal of your home. Caulk can be applied around windows, doors, and plumbing.
If your home feels too warm during summer even after you’ve sealed with weather stripping and caulk, it probably needs additional insulation. Insulation is a more expensive efficiency upgrade, but if it is under-insulated, additional insulation can make a big impact on reducing energy use and costs. The cost of new insulation depends on factors like materials, size of the home and whether you use a contractor. You’ll be able to pay for the project cost in just a few years with the money saved on wasted energy, and you’ll be much more comfortable in the meantime.
If your appliances need upgrading, consider that new appliances – especially EnergyStar models, use much less energy than older models. If you’re on the fence about buying new ones, consider that Memorial Day Weekend is EnergyStar Tax-Free shopping in Texas. You’ll save about $8.25 in taxes per $100 spent.
Rio Grande is doing all it can to hold the line on the price you pay for electricity, in spite of the fact that our costs keep rising on everything just like yours do. In order to keep bills at a manageable level when summer heat kicks in and avoid a shock when the bill arrives, consider some energy efficiency investments in your home and take simple conservation measures, when at all possible. By doing so, we'll all get through the upcoming summer with as little ‘heat stress’ as possible.