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| Caulking windows and insulating walls can lower your monthly electric bill. |
Home and business energy costs have been higher because of a significant rise in the cost of natural gas used to make electricity. With spring just around the corner, there still are plenty of things you can do to stay comfortable, lower your energy consumption and save money this time of year.
- During cold snaps, set your thermostat between 68 to 70 degrees when you’re home. Each degree cooler has the potential to lower the heating portion of your energy bill by as much as 6 percent.
- As the weather warms, you'll want to adjust your air conditioning thermostat in the other direction — to 78 degrees or higher. Save more by raising the setting to 85 degrees when you're out for at least four hours.
- You can lose up to 40 percent of your energy costs through poorly insulated walls and attics – add energy-efficient insulation to prevent heat from escaping. In this part of Texas, attics should be insulated to an R-30 rating and walls to R-13 when possible to add both comfort and efficiency to your home.
- Minimize air leaks into and out of the home by caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows. Caulk and weather-strip windows, doors and pipe clearances to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Check your heating and air conditioning system’s ducts in the attic for air leaks and seal them with mastic tape if needed. You can check for leaks by feeling around the duct connections while the unit is running.
- Replace air filters regularly to prevent your unit from having to work harder to move air through the duct system. Use high-quality paper air filters and change them on the same day at least every other month. Here’s a tip: if you can see through a filter to the other side, don’t buy it.
- Plant trees around your home or business now to save energy in the future. Deciduous trees that lose their leaves provide shade in summer and let the sun warm your home during winter. Evergreens offer a windbreak during winter. Avoid planting trees near power lines.
More resources: Energy conservation
For more information contact David Werley, senior account manager for Customer and Energy Services, at 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 6776, or david.werley@lcra.org. |
