How to save money on electricity bills in Texas (2022)

You must be worried about your electric bill, which is always going up.

Higher energy rates are impacting homeowners for a variety of reasons. These include a growing number of technological devices and increasing electricity prices.

The best part is that there are different methods to reduce your power expenses. You can do so without compromising your present lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll explain how energy prices have risen and what steps you can take to save money on utility bills and keep more of it.

Average electric bill cost in Texas

Texas residents pay 13.30 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electric energy. The average monthly electricity use for Texans is 1,176 kWh, which results in average electricity bills of $156.41.

These are some average statistics.

Households in the US with high power rates or with large residences would face much higher monthly power expenses. Traditionally, homes consume more power in the winter, particularly in Texas. Keeping your house cool in the summer may cause your electricity meter to tick nearly as fast as trying to stay warm in other colder states in the winter.

Are your electricity bills continuing to rise?

Sadly, they are increasing.

Power prices are much higher this year compared to last. The average home cost in Texas for June 2022 is 18.48 cents per kilowatt hour, according to the state’s Power to Choose website (The Dallas Morning News). This represents a 10.5-cent increase over June 2021.

Electricity rates are typically rising. However, costs might fluctuate for various reasons, including the seasons and environment, as well as the fluctuating cost of electrical inputs like natural gas, which is required in gas-powered plants.

Below are 8 energy-saving tips that are simple, easy to use, and guaranteed to save power and money on hot Texas summer.

 1.  Focusing on the main energy consumers: heating and cooling.

Heating and cooling systems will be the most energy-intensive appliances in your home.

According to the EIA, air conditioning, space heating, and water heating account for over half of all household power consumption.

If you can lower the amount of power consumed in this area, you will significantly cut your overall energy consumption.

Replacing your heating and cooling systems with more energy-efficient devices is the simplest method to accomplish this.

It is also important that heating and cooling systems are installed properly and maintained, because this can have a significant influence on their performance and efficiency.

2.  Compare rates:

Are you using your utility’s lowest electricity pricing plan? Many homes aren’t, and they’re spending additional money every month as a result.

Fortunately, rectifying this needs no money and only a few minutes of your time. Consult with your utility about alternative rate plans. Also, consider whether a different plan might better fit your consumption habits.

There are over 100 energy providers in Texas. Each of these providers has its own rate structure, contract length, plans, and special offers.

To get the best deal, check the rates from the suppliers serving the area.

For example, you can have a Time of Use price plan that is expensive from 9 to 5, but reasonably priced the rest of the time. If you are often away from home between working hours, this type of rate plan will be helpful in saving you money.

Similarly, if you own an electric car to charge or gadgets that can be programmed to function at night, ToU deals that give very cheap prices overnight might be ideal.

Once you’ve found a service plan that is suitable for you, contact your service provider and request a switch.

Consider this the cheapest advice for saving money on your power bill.

3.  Insulate your home:

Insulation is crucial for keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Examine the ways you heat or cool your home.

Using insulation material, such as weather stripping, for all the doors and windows helps to seal your home and keep warm air inside. These are low-cost DIY energy-efficiency improvements that may save you up to 7.5 percent on your energy bill. 

Additionally, use kitchen and bath fans minimally, and close the damper at your fireplace to reduce the amount of air that escapes when it’s not in use. This can save you another 10% on overall energy costs.

4.  Go solar to reduce energy costs:

Switching to solar energy is a good way to save money on power and keep cool in the hot Texas sun. In many US states, you can minimize almost 100% of your electricity bills and have a payback period of around 3–8 years.

Solar panels have become more efficient while also becoming less expensive. Rebates and incentives are available. Similarly, spending on a solar system is easier than ever.

You can contact us to find the best solar solution and reduce your electricity bills right away.

Not only that, but based on your situation, you have several solar installation alternatives to select from.

Ground-mounted solar panels are an option for people with low roof space or insufficient exposure. 

Shingles are attractive to homeowners who are concerned about aesthetics. 

In 2022, the solar panel is a great alternative.

5.  Take Care of your thermostat

Set your thermostat to a low setting or completely off when you leave the house, even if only for a few minutes. It will save you money. Smart thermostats can regulate your temperature depending on your schedule. 

This smart technology even makes it easy to adjust factors like the temperature of your room when you’re in or out of the house, as well as when you return home.

6.  Minimize energy losses and leaks

If your house had an energy audit, at least one of the following improvements was most likely recommended:

•  Work with a specialist to examine and improve any areas of your home that lack proper insulation. Basements, crawl spaces, attics, and walls can all benefit from upgrades. Here you will handle weather stripping, ventilation, windows, and other issues.
• Replace old appliances and devices with high-efficiency new technology; they might save you money. They may be more expensive initially, but you might save money in the long term.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient solutions like LED light bulbs, insulated canned lights, and others.

7.  Modify these habits

You could also implement some basic daily practices to reduce your energy consumption.

• Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning.
• Instead of using the dishwasher, hand-wash small dishes.
• In vacant rooms, turn off the lights.
• When washing clothes, use cold water.
• Reduce the temperature of the hot water heater.
• Put on additional clothing and blankets, and lower the thermostat.
• Install a dimmer to adjust the lighting of a room to save energy.

Every little change you make contributes to a lower energy cost.

8.  Apply smart power strips:

Some electronic devices never turn off properly; instead, they typically remain in standby mode while using a fraction of their power. This can mount up over time and across devices. Connect these gadgets and devices to something like a smart power strip. This will switch off the power when the devices are not in use.

Conclusion:

Saving money on your power bill is frequently done one step at a time. But these smart choices can provide a powerful combination and lead to big reductions in your overall power bill during the year.

These energy-saving strategies are helpful, but if you’re having difficulties keeping up with increasing winter power costs, talk to the local electricity provider about a rate plan. Many corporations in Texas provide an annual plan that splits expenses across 12 months.

If you want to consult someone and are anxious about electric bills, book our free solar consultation service. We can assist you in understanding your status and developing a strategy to reach your objectives. Fill the form below and take the first step toward more greener energy and save yourself thousand of dollars every year!