Summer Conservation Tips

In the heat of a Texas summer, we all want to keep cool in the air conditioning and grab a cold drink from the fridge. But remember that summer is the peak demand season for electricity, and the appliances that help make the season’s searing heat bearable can also drive up your electric bill.
 
Keep Your Fridge Cool
With summer’s high temperatures, you’re more likely to open the door frequently for cool drinks. Here are some tips to keep refrigerator energy use to a minimum:

• Locate the refrigerator away from heat sources—the oven, the dish-washer and direct sunlight.
• Allow at least a 1-inch space around the outside of the fridge to enable air circulation.
• Clean the condenser coils at least once a year.
• Check the tightness of the door seals.
• Use a thermometer to check the inside temperatures: The fridge should be 36–38 degrees and the freezer zero to 5 degrees.

 
Make Friends With Your Freezer

• Keep the freezer as full as possible.
• Mark items for quicker identification to reduce open-door time.

 
Give Your AC an Assist
Your air conditioner works hard all summer long. Follow these tips to keep it from heating up your electric bill too much:

• You save 3%–5% for each degree you raise the thermostat. Try setting it at 78 degrees.
• Use ceiling fans in conjunction with the AC to feel cooler.
• Keep humidity levels as low as possible by always using an exhaust fan, if you have one, when taking a shower.
• Maintenance is important. Clean or change AC filters regularly, and have units professionally cleaned, inspected and tuned every season to keep them running at peak efficiency.