The brutal summer heat of south Texas can really spike your energy bills. Try these easy tips to conserve energy during the months when your air conditioner is working the hardest.
- Use shades, blinds or curtains to block the sun’s heat. Outside, awnings and shade trees can do the same job.
- Incandescent bulbs can make rooms feel hotter. Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs if you haven’t already, and don’t use lights unless you need to.
- Use fans to circulate the air. Fans don’t actually cool the air. But because they make you feel more comfortable, you might be able to turn up the thermostat a degree or two.
- Turn up the thermostat — each degree can save you up to 8 percent on your cooling costs. Use a programmable thermostat to maintain a higher temperature when you’re away from home and lower it again shortly before you come back.
- Minimize your use of heat-generating appliances like the oven, dishwasher and clothes dryer when temperatures are at their highest.
- Check your ducts. Leaks in ductwork can let in hot air and allow cool air to escape. Vent obstructions, meanwhile, reduce airflow. Seal leaks, repair damaged sections, and remove any obstructions.
- Improve your insulation. Pay special attention to the attic, which can radiate heat into your living space.
- Keep your air conditioner maintained. Change the air filter as soon as it looks dirty, and keep the outside unit clean and free of debris and obstructions. If you haven’t had your air conditioner tuned up yet, do that right away, and make sure your tech checks the refrigerant charge, which is crucial to optimal performance.
Contact CCAC for more tips on conserving energy and beating the Texas heat. We’ll make sure your Corpus Christi-area home is energy efficient and comfortable.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about conserving energy and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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