According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), as of 2020, the average Texas household consumed 1,132 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month at a $0.1171 per kWh for a total average monthly electricity bill of $132.59. Of course, these bills differ by household, depending on their specific usage and equipment choices. Other factors, including the square footage of your home and the number of household members, may influence your monthly charges.
Also, according to the EIA, a substantial percentage of a household’s annual energy consumption is spent on space heating and air conditioning. The administration adds that water heating, lighting, and refrigeration accounted for 22 percent in 2021. The remaining share of home energy use was used to power many household appliances, electronics, and other devices.
Unfortunately, as this data shows, powering our homes isn’t cheap. However, by examining your usage and identifying efficiency improvements, you have the potential to save energy and money. In addition, according to ENERGY STAR, you’ll be doing your part to help protect the environment. While many of these tips are do-it-yourself, others, like installing a smart thermostat and conducting electrical inspections, should be completed by a certified electrician in Conroe.
You Have the Power to Save By
Changing HVAC Air Filters
You should perform this task every three months for the best effects. A clean filter promotes adequate airflow and ensures your HVAC system operates efficiently. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may want to consider a HEPA filter.
Sealing Air Leaks and Drafts
According to the ENERGY STAR program, you can save up to $200 per year in heating and cooling costs by identifying air leaks in your building’s envelope and sealing them using cost-effective materials, such as caulk. These savings also reflect adding insulation.
Installing a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart learning thermostat, allowing you to control and monitor the temperature from your smart device, can save you up to $100 per year on heating and cooling costs. The key to these savings is to choose an ENERGY STAR-certified model.
Swapping Out Your Lightbulbs
Another cost-efficient way to save energy is to swap out the bulbs in your light fixtures with CFLs or LEDs that are ENERGY STAR certified. These lightbulbs use 90 percent less energy and last 15 times longer. Also, make sure to purchase dimmable bulbs.
Installing Dimmable Switches
Once you’ve purchased dimmable light bulbs, have a certified electrician in Conroe come to your home to install dimmer switches, which allow you to set the brightness in a room. These are particularly ideal for children and family rooms.
Contact a Certified Electrician in Conroe
A&H Electric Co. has over thirty years of experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. We offer a full suite of services, not limited to electrical safety inspections and whole home rewiring, with all work performed by experienced technicians. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment anytime you need a certified electrician in Conroe to service your home or business, even if it’s after hours, as we offer 24-hour emergency repairs.
Join the A&H Electric Co. Family! A&H Electric Co. is currently looking for experienced electrical technicians to join our team. You must have prior experience providing residential and commercial electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. If you’re interested in becoming part of the A&H Electric family, please contact us at (936) 756-0442 or complete the online job application.
Resources:
“2020 Average Monthly Bill – Residential.” U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2020.
“Heat & Cool Efficiently.” ENERGY STAR.
“How is electricity used in U.S. homes? U.S. residential sector electricity consumption by major end uses in 2021.” U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), n.d.
“Start Saving Now: Featured Actions.” ENERGY STAR.
“Texas State Profile and Energy Estimates.” U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2019.
“Use of energy explained.” U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), June 23, 2021.