Transforming Your Texas Lifestyle for Energy Savings

One of the best ways to reduce high bills is to incorporate energy savings into your daily routine.

Trust me; it’s easier than you might think. Here are a few simple habits you can start today.

Remember your parents nagging you about turning off the lights when you leave a room?

Well, they were onto something. Make it a habit to switch off lights and electronics when you’re not using them, and get your family on board, too.

It might seem small, but it can add significant savings over time.

Another sneaky energy-sucker?

All those devices that stay plugged in 24/7, even when you’re not using them. We’re talking about phone chargers, toasters, coffee makers—you name it.

Try unplugging them when not in use, or invest in handy power strips to switch off multiple devices simultaneously.

For your newer electronics, poke around in the settings and see if you can turn off any standby modes that keep them drawing power even when they’re “off.”

Laundry and dishes – they’re the chores that never end, right?

But did you know that a few simple tweaks to your routine can help you save energy (and money) without any extra effort?

Try washing full loads whenever possible – it’s more efficient than running a bunch of small loads.

And opt for cold water and regular cycles instead of hot water and heavy-duty settings.

Your clothes and dishes will still get clean, but you’ll use less energy.

And here’s a bonus tip: if you can, skip the dryer and let your clothes air-dry.

The same goes for your dishes—if you have the time, let them air-dry instead of using the heat cycle on your dishwasher.

Your energy bill (and your delicates) will thank you.

Do you love to cook up a storm in the kitchen?

There is no need to give up your favorite recipes – rethink how you prepare them.

Instead of cranking up your oven or stovetop, opt for smaller appliances like slow cookers, pressure cookers, or microwaves.

They use a lot less energy, and as a bonus, they won’t heat your whole house in the middle of summer.

When you need your oven, make the most of that heat by cooking multiple dishes.

And resist the urge to peek. Opening the oven door lets all that hot air escape, meaning your oven has to work harder (and use more energy) to get back to temperature.

If you’ve joined the ranks of remote workers, you might have noticed a sneaky side effect: higher energy bills.

Don’t panic – there are plenty of ways to keep your costs in check while still crushing it at your home office. Here’s how:

Remember that “power down” policy we talked about earlier?

It’s just as important in your home office as it is in the rest of your house.

When you clock out for the day, power down your computer, monitor, and other office equipment.

We know it bears repeating because it can make such a big difference in your energy consumption.

And when it comes to lighting, take advantage of natural light whenever you can.

Position your desk near a window, and opt for task lighting (like a desk lamp) instead of harsh overhead lights.

Not only will you save energy, but you might also find that the natural light boosts your mood and productivity.

When it comes to staying comfortable while you work, it’s all about finding that sweet spot.

In the summer, try bumping your thermostat up to 78°F and using fans to keep the air moving. You might be surprised at how comfortable you can be without blasting the AC.

And in the winter, aim for a cozy 68°F and throw on a soft hoodie or sweater instead of cranking up the heat.

If it’s time to upgrade your home office setup, look for ENERGY STAR-certified products – they’re designed to use less energy than standard models, so you’ll save money in the long run.

Laptops are usually more energy-efficient than desktop computers, and LED monitors use less power than older LCD screens.

Bonus: You might even be able to write off those upgrades during tax time.

Just because you’re trying to save energy doesn’t mean you have to give up hosting killer get-togethers.

You can throw an easy party on your wallet and the planet with a few smart strategies. Here’s how:

When the weather’s nice, take the party outside. Not only will you avoid the temptation to crank up the AC, but you’ll also minimize the need for extra indoor lighting.

I’m not saying you should eat hot wings in 100+ degrees of heat in the middle of summer. Just try to plan around those lovely weather days whenever you can.

There’s something magical about dining under the stars or watching the sunset with your favorite people.

Do you like to show off your fine cutlery during parties?

Most of us think we maintain a high enough level of sophistication to use real plates and utensils when we have company.

But what happens when you empty your cabinets? I’d guess most of you end up with multiple loads of dishes after a party.

Each extra load means your dishwasher is running overtime and eating up more of your electricity budget.

If you are leaning into energy efficiency, reduce your environmental waste with reusable plates and utensils.

If you want to cut down on those high electricity bills, go disposable whenever you have company over.

You won’t have the fanciest of parties, but at the end of the month, you’ll keep some hard-earned cash in your wallet.

When planning your menu, think about dishes that can be served at room temperature to minimize the need for extra heating or cooling.

Get creative with your leftovers to reduce food waste (and the energy it takes to produce and dispose of it).

Encourage guests to take home extras and challenge yourself to repurpose any extra ingredients into new meals throughout the week.

I’d bet the last time you thought about your electricity plan was right when you got a high bill.

But what about the time before that? It was probably when you signed up for it in the first place.

For most of us, our electricity plan is a one-and-done deal that we forget about if our lights stay on. I’m guilty of it, and I write about electricity daily.

But the easiest way to reduce high electricity bills is to match your plan to your lifestyle.