Staff Report
Saving energy in your home during hot summer months is more important than ever, as ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) has already issued several requests this month for Texans to conserve energy during peak hours in order to prevent grid outages.
Although helping the grid as a whole is important, cutting back on your energy use can also personally save you money and cool you down.
Per the Public Utility Commission of Texas, here are some hot weather energy-saving tips:
• Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature than normal will not cool your home faster — every degree of extra cooling will increase energy usage 6-8%. Set your thermostat at 78° or higher, and to 80° or higher if leaving for more than four hours.
• Install patio covers, awnings and solar window screens. Shade south and west windows with plants or trees to block the heat. Shade outside air conditioning units or condensers.
• Save heat and humidity-generating activities like cooking, laundering and dishwashing for early morning or evening hours. Set your pool pump to run early in the morning or overnight.
According to Power to Save Texas, every degree above 78 can save you up to 8% on your energy bill, and using a programmable or smart thermostat saves even more. Overhead and portable fans can also make a room feel 4-6° cooler, but limit vent fan usage above stoves and in bathrooms as they pull in hot outside air, making your A/C work harder.
Even switching up your usual habits with electrical devices like phone chargers and lamps can help. You can save up to $40 a year by unplugging six devices that you normally leave plugged in. All electrical devices use some power when they’re turned off but still plugged in, and they also generate heat.
Go to www.powertosavetexas.org for daily updates on grid conditions and for more energy saving tips.
