How to keep the energy bill low this summer in East Texas

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – With high temperatures this summer, some people might be running their air conditioning all day long, and energy bills can get expensive.

“In these hot summers in Texas we’re using our AC more and more,” Mechele Mills, Better Business Bureau Central East Texas President & CEO, said.

Kelly Heat And Air Conditioning in Whitehouse shared that a key tip is to never turn your air conditioning off.

“It’s hot and one of the main things about our area is we have a lot of humidity and so when AC is running it’s not just cooling down your house it’s also pulling out the humidity,” Shawna Driggers of Kelly Air Conditioning and Heating Inc., said.

To save money, turn the temperature up when you leave for a few hours or even leave for a vacation.

“Anywhere between 76 and I’d say at least 80 because you know your unit is running as long but you don’t moisture to build up inside the home,” Driggers said.

Mills shared that there are other ways to save on your energy bill.

“Instead of washing your clothes in hot water, you can wash them in cool or warm water, all these little things in the long run. Using the dishwasher actually saves water more than handwashing the dishes, actually saves you about 1,500 dollars a year,” Mills said.

Be sure to regularly replace the air filters. “You still need to change your air filter every 30 to 40 days because a dirty air filter will restrict oxygen to the unit,” Driggers said.

Something you won’t want to do this summer is make your AC unit overwork itself.

“Do not cover your outdoor unit don’t put an umbrella over it, and don’t put a canopy over it because that heat that the unit is already accumulating,” Driggers said. “You’re just keeping that heat right there.”

Thinking energy efficient can save you money this summer.

“Unplug anything that you’re not using because those things do drain your power, so you want to go ahead and if you’re not using something just unplug it,” Mills said.

The Better Business Bureau shared that scammers are taking advantage of this time of year, so watch diligently for out-of-the-blue texts or calls about free energy audits and ways to lower your statements.

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