If your energy bill is higher than normal, you aren’t alone. According to data released by energy monitoring company Sense, the average home electrical usage increased 22 percent this April compared to 2019 due to the pandemic. Now that the Texas heat is on, you could be looking at even higher bills.
Want to keep your cool? Follow these tips.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats provide the ability to control your heating and cooling system more efficiently, which can help you save in the long run. Many will provide you with reports about your usage, prompting you to turn down the AC when you don’t need it. Many Balmoral builders now install smart thermostats as a standard feature in their homes.
Use Ceiling Fans
Most Texas builders install one or two ceiling fans, but it may be worth it to spend a little extra and have them installed in every room. Ceiling fans do a great job of cooling a room and may allow you to lower your thermostat by a few degrees.
Close the Blinds
Oversized windows offer beautiful views, but in the summer, sunlight entering your home can really heat up a room. A simple solution is to close the blinds during the hottest part of the day. Doing this can actually lower the mid-day temperature of your home by nearly 20 degrees.
Stay Out of the Kitchen
Kitchens are full of appliances that bring the heat. Rather than spend an evening sweating over a hot stove, move your kitchen outdoors. Summer kitchens are a great investment because you can cook an entire meal — including dessert — on the grill.
Wash in Cold Water
Even energy-efficient washers, dryers and dishwashers can generate a lot of heat. Most people try not to use them during the day but you can accomplish the same thing by washing everything in cold water. As long as you use a high-quality detergent, things will get clean.
Buy a New Home in Balmoral
Advances in building science and stricter building codes mean new homes are now 20 percent more efficient than homes built 10 years ago and can save you as much as 30 percent on your monthly electric bill. And that means purchasing a new home in Balmoral will keep your energy bills low for years to come.
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