Skip to content
Want lower electricity bills without sweating through a Texas summer? You don’t have to choose. Here’s how to save electricity without sacrificing comfort, using tips that work in houses and apartments alike.
Key takeaways
- Make the air feel cooler with fans and dehumidifying, so the thermostat can go up.
- Keep heat out with shades, sealing and smart scheduling.
- Cut waste you’ll never notice: standby power, hot water and old bulbs.
- Make sure you’re paying a fair rate for the power you do use.
Make it feel cooler, not just be cooler
Use ceiling fans the right way
Fans use far less energy than AC and make you feel cooler. In summer, set them to spin counterclockwise (looking up) to push air down. Turn them off in empty rooms, since fans cool people, not rooms.
Mind the humidity
Humid air feels hotter. Make sure your AC is sized and maintained so it can dehumidify properly, and run bathroom and kitchen fans when showering or cooking.
Keep the heat out
Close blinds on sunny windows
Shades, blackout curtains and solar screens block a lot of heat, especially on west- and south-facing windows in the afternoon.
Seal the leaks
Weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows keep cool air in. Renters can use removable weatherstrip and draft stoppers. See our full checklist.
Pre-cool, then coast
A smart thermostat can cool the house a bit more in the morning, then let the temperature drift up slowly in the afternoon while you stay comfortable.
Cut the waste you won’t notice
- Unplug or use smart power strips for TVs, consoles and chargers.
- Wash clothes in cold water. Most of a washer’s energy goes to heating water.
- Switch to LED bulbs. They use far less energy and give off less heat.
- Cook smarter in summer. Microwaves, air fryers and grills keep heat out of the kitchen.
Pay a fair price for what you use
Comfort costs less when your rate is right. Run large appliances during off-peak hours if your plan offers time-based pricing, and make sure your plan fits how your home uses power. Watt Panda will check for free. More ways to lower your bill.
Helpful official resources: U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Saver
Stop overpaying. Send us one bill.
We read the fine print, compare plans from our network of Texas electricity providers, handle the switch, and keep an eye on your renewal date. It’s free to you.
- $0 to you, ever
- No monthly membership
- Real people in Houston
Frequently asked questions
What is the most comfortable energy-saving thermostat setting?
Many people are comfortable at 76°F to 78°F with a ceiling fan running. Try raising it one degree a week to find your sweet spot.
Do blackout curtains really lower cooling costs?
Yes. Blocking direct sun on hot afternoons reduces how hard your AC has to work.
Is it better to turn the AC off when I leave?
It’s usually better to raise the setting rather than turn it off completely in Texas heat, so the system doesn’t have to fight a very hot house later.