Healthy Living in Austin, Texas

Hello!

I hope Everyone is having a Splendid Day! The Sun is shinning and it’s Absolutely Beautiful Outside… Hopefully, the weather continues this way.. We all know Summer is here and the Heat came along with it, I Found a few tips that’s helped me not only see a difference in my Electric bill but also, in the temperature of my home. Let these Tips bring you Comfort and Cool Air during our “Hot Hot” Summer Days… 🙂

Best Energy-Saving Tips:

*Keep lights off whenever possible. Standard light bulbs give off Heat that makes your Air Conditioner run more. Switch to CFLs or LEDs when possible.

*Install and turn off Power Strips for Electronics and turn off Computers and any appliance that shows a time or illuminated settings to reduce Phantom Power use.

*Wash clothes in Cold rather than Hot Water you can save $100 a year or more in energy use. Set your Water Heater Temperature lower than 120 degrees and save about $45 a year on average.

*Replace old Refrigerators or Freezers they use about twice the energy as newer models. Refrigerators located in the garage use even more. To recycle your old models, call 1-800-452-8685. Austin Energy will pay you $50 for each old standard size, working Refrigerator or Freezer picked up.

*Get an AC Check-Up. Registered Home Performance with ENERGY STAR participating companies stand ready to perform an expert check-up on your AC system and generate an actionable report, for only $29 for the first unit after a $70 rebate. This detailed report will help you identify needed repairs and appropriate next steps to ensure your Air Conditioner runs Properly and Efficiently during the heat of the summer. Visit AustinEnergy.com/go/accheckup.

*Change your AC filter Every Month during the Summer! Pleated filters are the most Effective.

*Keep Curtains and Blinds drawn on windows hit by direct sunlight. Direct Sunlight into a room can raise a Temperature 5-10 Degrees.

*Set your AC thermostat at 78 Degrees or Higher when possible. Every degree lower will increase your Electric Bill by 3-4%. Install approved Internet connected Thermostats through the Power Partner Thermostat Program and receive an $85 rebate for each unit you enroll in the program.

*Visit AustinEnergyapp.com – Access this free, interactive Webb app to monitor your daily Energy Consumption view your Bill cost, using your Mobile Device or Personal Computer. Find practical conservation tips and make same day changes to adjust your Energy use and Save Money.

*Visit AustinEnergy.com and click “Residential” or call 512-482-5346 for complete Information on Programs, Rebates, Low-Interest Loans and a list of participating companies that provide Energy Assessments (Free for older homes) and Efficiency Improvements.