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Summer in Texas is finally winding down, which makes right now the perfect time for a quick electricity audit. Use this electricity audit checklist in the next few weeks, before the holidays take over, to set your home up for lower bills through fall and winter.
Key takeaways
- Start with the paperwork: your contract end date and your summer bills.
- Then the house: AC service, filters, insulation and air leaks.
- Then habits: thermostat schedule and standby power.
- Finish with a free plan review so you’re not overpaying on rate.
Your end-of-summer electricity audit checklist
1. Check your contract expiration date
If your contract ends in the next 60 to 90 days, start shopping now so you don’t roll onto a higher month-to-month rate. Here’s our timing guide.
2. Compare your summer bills year over year
Pull July and August from this year and last year. If your usage is similar but your bill is higher, your rate is probably the problem. Divide each bill’s total by its kWh to compare your all-in rate. Here’s what else to check on your bill.
3. Schedule an AC service
Your AC worked overtime all summer. A fall check-up confirms it’s running efficiently and catches problems before they turn into expensive repairs next June.
4. Replace your air filter
A simple, cheap fix that improves efficiency and air quality. And if you have a heat pump, it’ll be heating soon.
5. Check your attic insulation
Poor attic insulation is one of the biggest energy drains in Texas homes. If you can see the tops of the ceiling joists, you probably need more. Fall is a comfortable time to add it.
6. Seal windows and doors
Walk around and feel for drafts near windows, doors, outlets and attic access. Weatherstripping and caulk cost little and help in both summer and winter.
7. Update your thermostat schedule
You don’t need the aggressive cooling schedule you ran all summer. Adjust it for fall, and set it up for heating before the first cold front.
8. Audit your standby power
Electronics that are “off” but plugged in can account for a noticeable slice of your usage. Smart power strips for TV setups and home offices are an easy win.
9. Check for assistance programs you might qualify for
Income, age or medical needs may qualify you for help you don’t know about. Here’s our guide for seniors and fixed-income households.
10. Get a free Watt Panda review
The highest-impact item on this list. Send us your bill and we’ll tell you whether you’re overpaying and what we’d recommend. Free, fast, no commitment.
Here’s to a lower-bill fall
You survived another Texas summer. Now make sure you’re not overpaying for the rest of the year. Prefer a printable version? Try our home energy efficiency checklist.
Helpful official resources: U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Saver
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Frequently asked questions
What is a home electricity audit?
It’s a review of your contract, bills, equipment and habits to find where you’re losing money. You can do a basic one yourself in an afternoon with this checklist.
When is the best time to do an electricity audit in Texas?
Late summer or early fall is ideal. You have fresh summer bills to review and time to make fixes before winter.
Can I get a professional energy audit?
Yes. Certified energy auditors and some utility programs offer in-home audits with tools like blower-door tests.
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