Summer is finally winding down in Texas, and that makes right now the perfect time to do a quick electricity audit. Use the next few weeks — before the holiday chaos begins — to make sure your home is set up for maximum savings heading into fall and winter.
Your End-of-Summer Electricity Checklist
1. Check Your Contract Expiration Date
When does your current electricity contract end? If it’s within the next 90 days, start shopping now. Don’t let it expire and get auto-rolled into a higher default rate.
2. Compare Your Summer Bills Year-Over-Year
Pull your July and August bills from this year and last year. If your usage is similar but your bill is higher, you’re likely paying a worse rate. Time to switch.
3. Schedule an AC Service
Your AC unit worked hard all summer. Scheduling a fall service check ensures it’s running efficiently before you need it again next year, and identifies any issues before they become expensive repairs.
4. Replace Your Air Filter
A simple $10 fix that improves efficiency and air quality. Do it now — don’t wait until next summer.
5. Check Your Attic Insulation
Poor attic insulation is one of the biggest energy drains in Texas homes. Fall is the perfect time to add insulation before winter heating season begins.
6. Seal Windows and Doors
Walk around your home and check for drafts around windows, doors, and any exterior penetrations. Weatherstripping and caulk can make a meaningful difference in both heating and cooling costs.
7. Review Your Smart Thermostat Settings
Update your thermostat schedule for fall. You don’t need the same aggressive cooling schedule you ran all summer. Adjusting the schedule can save money immediately.
8. Audit Your Standby Power Usage
Electronics on standby can account for 5-10% of your electricity usage. Consider smart power strips for entertainment centers and home offices.
9. Check for Electricity Assistance Programs You Might Qualify For
Income, age, or medical equipment needs might qualify you for assistance programs you don’t know about. Review what’s available in Texas — Watt Panda can help point you in the right direction.
10. Get a Free Watt Panda Review
The single highest-impact thing on this list. Upload your bill at wattpanda.com, and we’ll tell you exactly how much you’re overpaying and what we can do about it. Free, fast, and no commitment required.
Here’s to a Lower-Bill Fall Season
You survived another Texas summer. Now let’s make sure you’re not overpaying for the rest of the year. Visit wattpanda.com and let Watt Panda do the work. 🐼