If you remember opening your electric bill last summer and wondering whether someone accidentally left a window open all month, you're not alone.
Summer in The Woodlands is wonderful in many ways, but affordable electricity is usually not one of them. Between triple-digit temperatures, kids home for the summer, and air conditioners working overtime, electric bills can climb quickly.
Before I started WoodlandsMommy.com, I worked at Reliant Energy, so I spent quite a bit of time learning how household energy use affects electric bills. The good news is there are several simple things most families can do to reduce their costs without sacrificing comfort.
Here are 10 practical ways to save money on electricity this summer.
1. Set Your Thermostat Strategically
When I worked at Reliant, we were trained to recommend keeping thermostats around 78 degrees when you're home and several degrees higher when you're away.
I know, you're probably already shaking your head.
But if your family will be gone most of the day, increasing the temperature a few degrees can make a noticeable difference over time. A programmable or smart thermostat can do this automatically, so you don't have to think about it.
2. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
This is one of the easiest ways to help your air conditioner run efficiently. A dirty filter forces your system to work harder, which means it uses more electricity. Check your filter every month during the summer and replace it as needed.
If it's been a while since your HVAC system has been serviced, consider scheduling a maintenance visit as well.
3. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way
Ceiling fans don't actually cool a room. They cool people.
Run them when you're in the room to create a wind-chill effect that helps you feel more comfortable. Just remember to turn them off when nobody is there. Running a fan in an empty room doesn't lower the temperature and simply uses electricity.
4. Keep the Sun Outside
The afternoon sun can make a huge difference in how hard your air conditioner has to work.
Close blinds and curtains on windows that receive direct afternoon sunlight, especially west-facing windows. If certain rooms always seem hotter than the rest of the house, this simple habit may help more than you think.
5. Cook Smarter During the Summer
When I was growing up, my mom used to cook summer dinners wearing only her bra. (Don't tell her I told you that.)
In a house full of girls, nobody thought much about it, but looking back, I completely understand. Running the oven during a Texas summer can make the whole house feel hotter.
Whenever possible, use a microwave, slow cooker, air fryer, or outdoor grill instead of heating up the kitchen with the oven. If you do use the oven, try cooking multiple items at once.
6. Make Laundry Day More Efficient
Laundry is one of those never-ending mom jobs.
A few small changes can help:
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.
- Run full loads instead of several smaller ones.
- Clean the dryer's lint filter before each load.
- Hang dry clothing occasionally if you have the space and patience.
These aren't dramatic changes, but they can add up over time.
7. Switch to LED Light Bulbs
Years ago, my husband replaced nearly every bulb in our house with LEDs, and we've never looked back.
LED bulbs use significantly less electricity and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. If you still have older bulbs in lamps, bathrooms, or closets, replacing them is one of the simplest upgrades you can make.
8. Be Mindful of Electronics
Many electronics continue drawing small amounts of electricity even when they're turned off.
Personally, I'm not running around unplugging every charger in the house, but if you're trying to reduce every possible expense, it may be worth unplugging chargers, small appliances, and electronics that aren't used regularly.
Power strips can also make this easier by allowing you to turn off several devices at once.
9. Adjust Your Water Heater
Most water heaters are set higher than necessary.
Lowering the temperature to around 120 degrees is often enough for everyday family use while reducing energy consumption. If your water heater is located in a hot garage or attic, adding an insulating blanket may help improve efficiency as well.
And yes, encouraging shorter showers can help too, especially if you have teenagers like I do (sigh).
10. Shop Around for a Better Electricity Rate
This may be the biggest opportunity for savings on the list.
Because Texas has a deregulated electricity market, you are not required to stay with the same provider forever. Many families continue renewing plans without checking whether better options are available.
At least once a year, compare rates from multiple providers and carefully review the Electricity Facts Label before signing up. Pay attention to fees, usage requirements, and average rates—not just the headline number in the advertisement.
A better electricity plan could potentially save more money than any other tip in this article.
Small Changes Add Up
You don't have to live in a dark house or spend all summer sweating to lower your electric bill.
Start with one or two simple changes. Raise the thermostat a degree or two when you're away. Replace a few old light bulbs. Change your air filter. Compare electricity rates.
Small adjustments made consistently can have a surprisingly large impact over the course of a Texas summer.
And with the money you save, maybe you can treat the family to something a little more fun than another electric bill.
