Can People New To Texas Keep Cool?
Anyone who has spent a summer in Texas knows how unbearably hot it can get. If the sun is shining, you can bake cookies on your car’s dashboard. Not that you’d want to eat warm cookies on a bright August afternoon. Then again, you have the power to choose where you live. And if you want to live in the Lone Star State, you’d better learn how to keep cool when it’s over 100°F.
Keep Yourself Cool
To battle the Texas heat, you need a multifaceted game plan. Just one thing may work for a while, but long-term success requires more than one approach. Create your plan of attack:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you.
- Remain Indoors During Peak Heat: Try to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
- Run Your Fans: Ceiling, desktop, and box fans can help evaporate sweat and cool your body. But if the temperature is above 95°F, they may not prevent heat-related illness.
- Wear Light Clothing: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
Save Money on Electricity
Your electricity bill can be a huge expense in the summer. Keep your usage down with these tips:
- Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: Invest in appliances with the ENERGY STAR label. These appliances use less energy and can greatly reduce your power usage.
- Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable or smart thermostat can adjust the temperature when you’re not home, saving you money. Set it to higher temperatures when you’re away and cooler when you’re home.
- Seal and Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation and sealing gaps around windows and doors can prevent cool air from escaping, reducing the workload on your HVAC system.
- Use Blinds and Curtains: Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun and keep your home cooler.
- Change Air Filters Regularly: Clean or replace your air conditioner filters every month during the summer to ensure efficient operation.
Keep The Grid Going
While Texas has seen its share of winter weather emergencies, the grid is especially vulnerable in the summer. Do your part to keep the grid going all summer long:
- Follow ERCOT Alerts: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issues conservation alerts. Pay attention to these alerts and reduce electricity usage during peak demand times.
- Pre-cool Your Home: Lower your thermostat in the early morning hours and then raise it slightly during peak hours to reduce strain on the grid. It’ll help you enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
- Avoid Using Large Appliances During Peak Hours: Run your dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer early in the morning or late at night.
- Turn Off Unnecessary Lights and Electronics: Switch off lights, computers, and other electronics when not in use.
New to Texas? Get A Power Plan
Finding the best electricity prices will save you money this summer. Keeping cool is great, but you need to do it at a reasonable rate from the best Texas providers. Shop for plans at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com to get the one that best meets the needs of your home at a fair price.