With triple-digit temperatures throughout this past week and requests issued by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) for Texans to voluntarily conserve electricity between 2-9 p.m., it’s a good time to learn about ways to cut energy use. In addition to turning up the thermostat a degree or two from your usual comfort level, here are a few more energy-saving tips courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy:
- Avoid placing lamps or TVs near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
- Vacuum air intake vents to remove any dust build-up, and ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers.
- Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows.
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes, rather than partial loads, for better efficiency.
- Set your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit— while The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that to prevent scalding, the lower setting will also conserve energy and save money.
Complete list: Spring and Summer Energy-Saving Tips | Department of Energy
