Springtime is one of the two best times of the year to get a great Houston electricity rate. This is right when the temperatures are warm but not oppressively hot like they are in summer. As we head into summer, Houston electricity rates will tend to increase along with energy demand from people using their air conditioning to keep cool. We have a few tips to help you beat the heat so you can save even more this summer.

Windows

Keep your windows shut and blocked by blinds or curtains during the day. This will keep more of the hot air outside and more of the cool air inside. By blocking the windows, you’ll also reduce excess heat from solar heat gain. If you prefer to have the natural light during the day, look into UV window treatments. This thin film is applied to windows to reduce the amount of heat causing UV light that enters the room, but still allows visible light. During the evening when you’re ready for bed, shut off the AC and crack open a window with a fan running. The cooler air overnight will keep you comfortable without running up your electric bill.

Lights

Getting as much natural light as possible will help you reduce your energy bill because it prevents you from having to turn on electric lights to see. Since the days are getting longer, you’ll be able to go for a longer period of time without turning on any lights, just be sure to open up the blinds and curtains on windows that face north and east. This will give you natural light but won’t add heat from the sun. Upgrade your lights to energy efficient and cool temperature LEDs to decrease energy use from both lighting and AC. Since LEDs don’t get very hot, they won’t make your AC work harder.

Cooking

Get in some grilling practice and make some dinners outside. Cooking indoors with the stove and oven add a lot of extra heat to the house, and that makes your AC work much harder. While you’re cooking, shut off the AC, open some windows, and point fans outdoors to draw out the extra heat. Seal it all up and turn the AC on again after you’re done cooking. If possible, avoid using the oven and stove, rather opting for the microwave or a crockpot for indoor cooking.

Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can save you hundreds over the course of a year. Set it up to provide you with cooler air in the morning while you get ready for work, than shut off the AC while you’re at work, turn it back on when you get home, and turn it off while you sleep. This setup keeps the AC from running at times when no one is benefitting from it or when it’s cooler, such as at night. Add extra savings by setting the home and awake temperatures higher than normal. Every degree you raise the thermostat will save between 1-3% on your energy bill.

Follow these tips and you’ll have a great, comfortable summer. Lock in a low Houston electricity rate now so you can enjoy the benefits of cheap electricity all year long as well. If you’re ready to look for a new energy provider, Shop Texas Electricity lists dozens of plans and providers, and all you need to do to get started is enter your zip code. It’s that easy!