Save Energy Save Money and Stay Warm This Winter in Texas

The Cold Weather is Here: Time to Save Energy

Well, after a rather cold and wet weekend, and with the weather starting to cool down outdoors, winter is fast approaching, officially beginning on December 21st. As much as I enjoy the cozy vibes, I know it’s also time to prepare for those sky-high gas and electric bills. A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about the new "Burn It Where You Buy It Firewood Laws." As I stock up for the season, it got me thinking about the "Top 10 Energy Saving Tips" I’ve been sharing on the radio for years.

My Experience with High Bills

I seem to recall the main reason I first wrote about "Texas Firewood Laws" and "Energy Saving Tips" was because of one particularly high electric bill my wife and I received. First off, I live in a totally electric house, there’s no gas where I live. I remember one year we got a $1,200 electric bill. I absolutely lost it. But, in the end, I learned a very valuable lesson: “Be proactive, not reactive.” Furthermore, I must keep in mind that in Texas we have only two seasons, and they are hot and cold.

Getting a Handle on Energy Saving

Since then, I’ve been trying to save energy and money, but I wasn’t exactly sure where to start. That’s when I stumbled upon some handy advice from Energy.gov and Investopedia.com. By combining tips from both sources, I’ve managed to keep my electric bills much lower, and I hope it helps you too. The best place to start? Your thermostat.

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The Power of Your Thermostat

Here’s what I mean. I recently had a chat with my real estate agent friend, and she told me that her thermostat stays between 79 and 82 degrees in the winter and 65 to 70 degrees in the summer. Despite having a bigger house than mine, her electric bills are significantly lower.

She explained that she uses a "smart thermostat" that adjusts the temperature when she leaves the house for work. By the time she’s on her way home, the system kicks back on, cooling the house down in preparation for her arrival.

Adjusting Your Thermostat: The First Step to Saving

So, what’s the first step in reducing your energy consumption? Start by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from your usual setting for at least eight hours a day. Doing this can save you at least 10% a year on your energy bill.

Recommended Temperatures for Winter

When it comes to winter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees when you're home and awake. If that feels too cold, try bundling up with a blanket, and treat yourself to a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Over time, your body will adjust, and your bank account will thank you for the savings!

Here are ten tips we can follow to save on energy and money:

• Set your programmable thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter.
• Clean and replace your HVAC filters once a month or as recommended.
• Clean air vents, registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators; make sure they're not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
• Eliminate trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season.
• Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and radiators.
• Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans after cooking or bathing.
• During winter, keep draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open, allowing sunlight to enter your home. Close at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Improve insulation to help keep warm air in and cold air out.
• If cold air creeps in at the bottom of doors, adding a draft stopper (or even a rolled-up towel) is an inexpensive way to seal it off. Source: Energy.Gov