9 Ways Houston First Time Home Buyers Can Lower Their Energy Bill This Summer

Hi, today were offering a few suggestions on how controlling your cooling bill may be a bit easier than you think during these continuing scorching summer days and often times beyond. Try these suggestions to help you stay cool while keeping your bill low, in addition to getting help, if you need it: 

• Replace your air filters to keep your AC from doing extra work.         

• Consider hiring a technician to perform a process called a Manual J, which calculates the amount of cooling output required for your home. Recent studies by the National Institute of Standards and Technology have shown that improper installation of HVAC equipment can lead to a 30% increase in energy use.

• Check your evaporator coil and clean it when necessary.

• Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the units drain channels.

• Do remember to have your air condition serviced regularly. Currently, ninety percent of consumers wait until their HVAC systems break down before getting service, so said the president and CEO of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.

• You can also try installing ceiling fans, or smart thermostats.        

• If you are having financial difficulties paying your light bill, check your eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, to help pay your current and past-due electricity bills.

• You can also contact your electricity provider to see what kind of assistance programs or services they might offer to help control cost.       

• In the end, the easiest way for consumers to lower their electricity costs is by using less electricity.

Remember, higher electric rate does not always translate to high energy bill. It always comes down to how much you use. You will always pay less if you use less. As always, thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time...Diana

Image: By Diana for First Home Houston