Summer it's here!

Texas heat is nothing to mess with! If you’ve been around for a Texas summer or two, you know what being hot means on a whole different level than most Americans- Also it's very clear that your electricity bill increases during summer.

 These tips can also help in the springtime, since we all know it can get pretty hot in April and May, too!!

1. Take care of your AC!

During a long Texas summer, your central air system will run often. It’s important to maintain your system to keep it running as efficiently as possible. Simply replacing a clogged air filter can improve air conditioning efficiency by as much as 15%. Regularly vacuuming any dust from the registers on your system and moving furniture away from vents can further improve your air conditioner’s efficiency. 

2. A ceiling fan or any fan it's a good idea!

A fan in general can make an air-conditioned room feel up to four degrees cooler. This cooling effect allows you to turn up your thermostat and save even more energy. 

3. Always check your thermostat!

Keep your thermostat set as close to the outside ambient temperature as you can to minimize your air conditioning use. You can also program your thermostat to raise the temperature when you’re not at home or at night when outside temperatures are low. If you come home to a warm house, don’t turn the thermostat down all the way; you won’t cool your home down faster, and you’ll most likely waste energy by overcooling your home.

You can also do use of these quick tips:

• Do not use humidifiers or evaporator (“swamp”) coolers with the air conditioner.
• Keep windows and doors shut tight. Going in and out of the house repeatedly will make your air conditioner or furnace work harder.
• Make sure your air conditioner is clean. Washing the outside coils and clearing high grass and debris will prevent blockage of the air flow.
• Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature than normal will not cool your home faster! You just end up over working your system and may end up doing more damage than good.
• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees (F) in the summer and 68 degrees (F) in the winter. Every degree of extra heating or cooling will increase energy usage 6% to 8% on average.

By practicing these simple techniques, you can cool your home and reduce your energy bill without making any major changes to your lifestyle!