Controlling Your Energy Costs: No Need to Bust the Budget Just to Beat the Heat

Sometimes you probably think that our hot Texas summers can be unpleasant, both in comfort and in expense. It doesn’t have to be that way. Beating the heat can be easier and less expensive than you may have imagined. Here are a few ideas to get you started on controlling energy costs while keeping cool.

• First, the obvious. Try turning that thermostat up just a few degrees. If you’re comfortable at 72, try turning it to 75. Just that small change can mean big savings in the long run. When no one is home, it can be even higher. A programmable thermostat can make this effortless. Set it to 80 or higher during the day when everyone is out at work or play, lowering it in time to make the house comfortable upon your return.
• Another thing you can do is set up fans. They take significantly less energy than the air conditioning, and by moving the air they set up a wind-chill effect for people in front of, or underneath, the air flow. A properly installed ceiling fan can make a room several degrees cooler, allowing you to turn up the thermostat by a similar amount without losing any comfort.
• Insulating window treatments are not just for winter. A double-layer curtain made from an opaque, medium-colored fabric, can cut the heat load in a room tremendously. Keep your curtains and shades drawn during the day, especially in rooms that get direct sunlight.
• Don’t forget your barbecue! Heating up the oven can put a strain on the air conditioner. Cooking outdoors spares your system and your wallet. Not to mention how good the food off the grill tastes. If you must use the oven, try to schedule it for early in the day, before the temperature climbs too high. And turn it off as soon as you can, to give the room a chance to get back to a comfortable temperature before the heat of the afternoon hits.
• Don’t forget to check for air leaks in the house that can admit unwanted heat. They can be sealed with weatherstripping, caulk or spray foam, depending on the type and location of the leak.

For more advice, contact us at Davis Air Conditioning & Heating. Our staff can help you figure out your best approach to controlling your energy costs. We serve Houston, Angleton,  Ft. Bend, Galveston, Sugar Lane, Brazoria and surrounding areas.