In our last installment, we identified several ways for Central Texas homeowners to save money this summer. In this installment, we’ll share even more ways to cut down on consumption and lower energy bills.
Wash laundry more efficiently
Becoming smarter about how you do your laundry not only saves you money, but it also protects valuable fresh-water resources. Roughly 90% of your washing machine’s energy consumption comes from heating water, so it just makes sense to wash laundry in cold water whenever possible.
Loading the washer to its capacity at all times uses up less energy than washing two medium loads. Also, set your machine to the shortest wash time, and forgo the extra rinse cycle.
Reduce your “phantom load”
A phantom load is the electricity consumed by a device when it is turned off. Your television, video game console, cable box, laptop, and cell phone chargers all use energy even when they’re not being used.
Ensure that these devices are unplugged when they’re not being used. Alternatively, plug them into a power bar and turn off the bar before you go to bed and when you leave for work in the morning.
Hang your clothes to dry
Those of us who grew up with a clothes line in the back yard can remember how great our clothes and sheets smelled fresh off the line. The clothes dryer is a huge source of energy consumption. During the summer, hang your clothes outside to dry and/or dry them on a clothes rack indoors.
Lighten up with energy-efficient bulbs
The electricity used over the lifetime of a single incandescent bulb costs five to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself. Replace your regular light bulbs with Light Emitting Diode (LED) or Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs, which are more energy-efficient, and longer lasting.
Become informed about your energy use
Understand the options you have available for managing your energy consumption, such as home energy monitors and other applications. And take advantage of the many rebates and incentives available from your Central Texas utility provider or local government.
When you’re ready to be proactive about your energy use, give 1st A/C and Heating a call. We provide licensed HVAC technicians all over Austin, Buda, Kyle and San Marcos, Texas, and can show you some of the best ways to save on your energy bills.