As spring and summer temperatures soar higher and higher so does energy usage. Higher energy consumption can lead to higher electric bills—but it doesn’t have to.

These “Beat the Heat” energy-saving tips can help you save money and energy all while staying cool and comfortable even on the hottest summer days.

Turn your thermostat up

    • You can save up to 3% on your electric bill for every degree increase on your thermostat.
    • Keep your home warmer when you are away and lower it when you are home. Smart thermostats allow you to do this without sacrificing comfort in your home.
    • Work your way up to set your thermostat at 78 degrees, or higher, when you are home. Take it slow and increase your thermostat one degree each day to help your body adapt.

Use an ENERGY STAR recommended Dehumidifier

    • An energy-efficient dehumidifier is a great way to decrease excess humidity in your home making you feel cooler.
    • When using a dehumidifier, your AC will not have to work as hard. Instead of your AC having to cool and remove moisture from the air, a dehumidifier will do half the work leaving just the cooling to your AC.

Fill it up & let it air dry

    • Dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers consume large amounts of energy and generate excess heat in your home. Washing full loads in cold water and letting them air dry is a great way to reduce energy consumption.
    • Large/major appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers should also not be used during peak energy hours (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
    • Check to see if large appliances in your home are ENERGY STAR approved or if you plan on purchasing appliances check for the ENERGY STAR sticker.

Switch to LED light bulbs

    • LED light bulbs use 75% less energy, burn significantly cooler, and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
    • Although LED bulbs are more expensive up front, they quickly pay for themselves, and then some, in energy savings.

Replace your air filters

    • Air filters in your home should be replaced every 1-2 months. Filter replacement significantly reduces your AC’s energy usage by up to 15% by allowing it to run smoothly and efficiently.

Utilize fans

    • Fans create a wind-chill effect making your home feel 4-6 degrees cooler. In fact, you can increase your thermostat’s temperature several degrees without any discomfort.
    • Fans are also much, much cheaper than running an AC. Running a fan 24/7 for an entire month would only cost about $5, while an AC could cost hundreds!

Get outside and cook

    • The best way to keep the heat out of your kitchen (and home) is to not cook at all—but for most households, this isn’t always doable.
    • Grills, barbeques, and fire pits are great ways to not only get outside but also save you money. Cooking outside helps eliminate any unwanted heat in your home from a stove or oven and your AC won’t have to work as hard to maintain the cool air in your home.
    • If you find yourself whipping up a meal that just can’t be done outside, cook several dishes at once in the oven to avoid even more escaped heat.

Make a splash with pool energy savings

    • Using a pool cover is a great way to keep your pool’s temperature comfortable and reduce water loss without using extra electricity during hot summer days. Solar pool covers are a great, cost-efficient choice.
    • Run your pool pump at night with a pool timer and set your pool’s temperature to 80 degrees or below.
    • Energy-efficient lighting is another way to save money on your energy bill. Switching from traditional, incandescent lightbulbs to LEDs in your pool and pool landscaping can save energy and illuminate your pool and the area around your pool much better.
    • Use landscaping around your pool to create windbreaks and help shade your pool.

Unplug the Unused

    • Unplugging devices and appliances that are not currently being used can save you $100-$200 every year on your electric bill. Unused electronics in your home that remain plugged in, consume energy and drain your wallet.
    • In addition to saving energy, unplugging unused devices can lengthen their life.

Close your blinds or shades

    • According to the Department of Energy, closing your blinds or shades completely can reduce heat gain in your home significantly. This will help your AC to work less and reduce your energy usage.

Use your water heater efficiently

    • Turning down your water heaters thermostat from the factory present between 130-140 degrees to 120 degrees can save you 3-5% on your annual water heating costs.
    • Most people do not even notice the difference in temperature once they have lowered it.

Timers/motion sensors on lights

    • Timers and motion sensors are a great way to ensure your lights are on only when you need them. Having lights turn on/off automatically is one of the easiest ways to save on your energy bill because once timers and motion sensors are installed you really do not have to worry about them again.

Insulation

    • Proper insulation reduces yearly heating and cooling costs by an average of 15% and 11% of your total energy costs.
    • Aside from energy savings, insulation also helps your HVAC last longer, keeps you healthier, and muffles outside noises.

ENERGY STAR appliances

    • ENERGY STAR certified appliances help you save money and energy in your home without compromising quality and performance.
    • When purchasing new appliances or replacing old ones, look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure maximum energy and money savings.
    • ENERGY STAR appliances are also environmentally friendly.

Weatherize your home

    • Sealing air leaks, moisture control, ventilation, and weather stripping are all easy, relatively inexpensive ways to weatherize your home and make it more energy-efficient.
    • Weatherizing saves money and energy by bettering the efficiency of your home and allowing your HVAC to work properly and not be overworked.

We hope you “Beat the Heat” by implementing these cool money and energy-saving tips in your home this summer.

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The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) was acquired by the City of Kerrville in 1987. KPUB serves approximately 23,700 customers throughout its 146 square mile service area, including Kerrville, Center Point, Ingram, Hunt, and surrounding areas in Kerr County.

KPUB is overseen by a five-member board of trustees who serve without compensation and who are responsible to the City of Kerrville for the management and control of the system. KPUB is a responsive and efficient locally-owned provider of reliable, high-quality utility service at the lowest responsible price.