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The safest smart choice for your new home in Texas — starting with electricity.
Savings Guide

Ways to save on your electric bill in Texas

Picking the right plan is half the equation — the other half is how much electricity you actually use. Texas summers put real strain on cooling costs, so a lot of the highest-impact savings come from the same handful of places. Here's the full list, organized so you can actually act on it.

Thermostat & temperature control

  • Set your thermostat as high as is safely comfortable in summer, and as low as is safely comfortable in winter — every degree closer to the outdoor temperature saves real money.
  • A programmable or smart thermostat can save significantly on heating and cooling costs annually by automatically backing off when you're away or asleep.
  • Use ceiling and room fans to help cool rooms efficiently, and turn them off when you leave — fans cool people, not empty rooms.
  • Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in winter and counterclockwise in summer to optimize airflow.

Heating, cooling & insulation

  • Clean or replace your HVAC air filter regularly — a clogged filter makes your system work harder for the same result.
  • Schedule regular HVAC maintenance beyond just filter changes.
  • Seal or install weather stripping on doors, windows, ductwork, and pipes.
  • Properly insulate walls, attics, and water heaters to reduce heat loss.
  • Close drapes or shades on extremely hot or cold days to help maintain indoor temperature.
  • Close the fireplace damper when it's not in use.
  • Shade trees or exterior shading can meaningfully reduce cooling needs in summer.

Appliance use & efficiency

  • Run large appliances — washing machines, dryers, dishwashers — during off-peak hours when possible.
  • Only run large appliances when they're full.
  • Wash clothes in cold water to save energy.
  • Air-dry clothes and dishes when you can.
  • When shopping for appliances, choose energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® models.
  • Smart power strips can eliminate "phantom load" — the energy electronics quietly draw even when they're off.

Lighting & electronics

  • Turn off lights and electronics when they're not in use.
  • Unplug electronics when you're away for extended periods.
  • Use energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of incandescent or CFL bulbs.

Water heating

  • Set your water heater to a safe, comfortable temperature — lower settings mean greater savings.
  • Insulate hot water pipes and your water heater itself to minimize heat loss.

None of this matters if you're on the wrong plan

See your real options first — then these habits stretch even further.

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Cooking & daily habits

  • Use a microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer instead of a full oven for small meals.
  • Monitor your energy use with a smart meter or app for real-time feedback — you can't manage what you can't see.

Energy audits & programs

  • Consider a home or business energy audit to find the highest-impact fixes for your specific house.
  • Ask your electric provider whether they offer energy audit programs.
  • Ask your electric provider about energy efficiency programs or rebates — many providers offer these and don't advertise them loudly.
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Source: Public Utility Commission of Texas, Ways to Save — Electricity. Learn more directly from the PUCT at puc.texas.gov.