For kids, summer in central Texas brings images of raspas, pool days, late nights and tan lines. On the other hand, for homeowners and renters alike, summer means water management for green lawns, spraying for ants and wasps, and heaving a heavy sigh when the electric bill rolls in. In addition to regularly changing your air filter and setting your thermostat to the perfect temperature for summer, a summer tune-up can help make sure that running your air conditioner won’t have to cut into your “Summer Fun” savings.
The savings don’t have to stop there! There are several non-air-conditioning-related ways to lower your summer energy bills. Here are a few.
Energy-Efficient Window Fashions
One of our favorite ideas, installing energy-efficient window fashions, perfectly combines energy savings and home upgrades. The right window shades, blinds and shutters can shield your home from UV rays, stop heat gain and loss through your windows, and enhance the look and feel of your home! For high-quality custom window fashions in San Antonio, try an experienced family owned company like Window Fashions of Texas. They have over 30 years of experience and window fashion showrooms in San Antonio and Austin for you to browse their expansive selection in person.
Programmable Thermostat
Smart thermostats can learn your daily behaviors to set the right temperature for when you are and aren’t at home. In the summer, there’s no point in keeping an empty home at a cool 68 degrees. Using motion sensors, smart thermostats like the Nest can determine when you leave and return. This allows them to set the temperature higher while you’re gone and cool things down by the time you get back home.
Solar Panels
Believe it or not, solar panels are becoming more affordable than ever. In fact, CPS Energy’s SolarHostSA program offers homebuyers and businesses the opportunity to have rooftop solar panels installed free of cost. The electricity generated by the panels will be sold back to CPS Energy, who in turn will credit your energy bill with $0.03 per kilowatt-hour for every kilowatt-hour that the system generates. Simply put, your rooftop plays host to their solar panels, and they will give you a discounted energy bill!
