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As the Lone Star State transitions to fall, most major cities like Houston and Dallas experience temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While the days can still be warm, the heat and humidity are typically less harsh than in the summer months, which require significant AC usage.
Fall’s milder weather is likely why Texas energy prices dip in October, according to our average purchase price data in recent years. Due to more stable weather and rates, fall is an excellent time to save energy and prepare your home for winter.
How many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity you consume directly influences the cost of your monthly bill. That’s why reducing energy usage in your home is the most effective way to lower your bills. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry — we’ve compiled a list of energy-saving habits to help you chip away at your fall energy bills.
Did you know that dialing your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees can save around 10% annually on heating and cooling costs? With a smart thermostat, you can automate this task to keep your home comfortable while maintaining efficiency. Since fall days can swing as much as 30 degrees from day to night, it pays off to let your smart thermostat do the work for you.
Fall in Texas means the days are still warm, but the nights are progressively colder. Use your curtains strategically to maintain a moderate temperature — open them during the day to harness the sun’s rays and close them at night to seal in the warmth. This tactic can help reduce your reliance on artificial heating and cooling.
This advice is useful all year round, but as the seasons shift, it’s helpful to remind yourself to lower your water heater. Since energy is needed to heat water, lowering your water heater temperature will reduce energy consumption. This is an easy, hands-off way to lower your monthly kWhs.
Our data reveals that December through February are the most expensive months to shop for energy. That may seem like bad news, but with a little fall preparation, you can equip your home for winter. Use the fall season to check off a couple of tasks that could help you save energy once winter arrives.
The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are a great time to check your unit to ensure it’s in peak condition. After heavy summer usage, your unit may be less efficient due to debris buildup and old filters. Schedule routine maintenance to get it in shape before winter arrives.
Your HVAC unit works hard to keep you comfortable during cold days. Make sure that hard work doesn’t go to waste because of drafty doors and windows. Go around your home and check if any cracks are letting warm air escape. Caulk or weatherstrip any leaks to conserve energy and keep your home warm this winter.
Your holiday lights may be driving up your winter energy bill. To save money, consider getting LED lights before the season arrives so you can still enjoy the festive decorations. LED lights use 75% less energy than incandescent ones, making them worth the investment. Bonus: LEDS last 25 times longer, meaning you’ll have them for many holiday seasons to come.
Insulation wears down over time, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. Take some time this fall to check your insulation and consider adding more to improve your home’s efficiency before winter. Proper insulation will help your home hold heat and avoid wasting energy from your HVAC or fireplace.
Since you probably haven’t used your fireplace since last winter or spring, it’s a good time to clean it out and ensure it’s ready for winter. Sweep out debris and check your fireplace for cracks. Your damper and gates should fit snuggly without gaps. This is another good opportunity to check for proper weatherstripping if your fireplace has bricks or a hearth.
If your summer energy bills drained your pockets and you think it might be time for a cheaper plan, consider switching to one of our more affordable providers this fall. Here are some energy provider recommendations for fall and winter savings:
Gexa Energy is consistently one the cheapest energy providers on our marketplace. The company offers competitive bill credit plans, such as the Eco Saver Plus 12 plan, which gives you a $125 usage credit when you use more than 1,000 kWh per month. But the best part is that Gexa is 100% renewable, so you can feel good about your carbon footprint.
If you don’t want to deal with usage requirements, shop for plans from TriEagle Energy. This provider specializes in straightforward, fixed-rate energy plans. For simple rates without a catch, shop plans such as the Silver Eagle 12, Bronze Eagle 24, or Golden Eagle 36.
Another one of our cheapest providers is 4Change Energy, a Texas company dedicated to charitable donations. Some of its most popular plans include the Maxx Saver Value 12 and Maxx Saver Value 24, each offering a $125 bill credit for 1,000 kWh usage.
Enter your ZIP code to shop these plans and plenty more on the Choose Texas Power marketplace.
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