Did you know that many people in White Oak, Texas, aren’t saving as much money on utilities as they should? That’s because the average person doesn’t realize their habits waste energy, resulting in increased energy bills. Avoid these energy-wasting habits that can negatively affect the amount of your utility bills.

Using Incandescent Bulbs

Traditional incandescent bulbs require a lot of power to operate, yet they’re still widely used in Texas homes. Incandescent bulbs have to produce more heat to effectively illuminate a room, which is a major drain on electricity. Essentially, using these bulbs means you’re throwing money away.

A better alternative is to use LED bulbs, which require 80 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer. They also emit less heat than incandescent bulbs, which relieves your air conditioner. Best of all, LED bulbs pay for themselves over the life of the bulb, so you’re keeping more money in your pocket.

Setting the Thermostat and Forgetting It

Many homeowners set their thermostats once and forget about it the rest of the day (or even the rest of the week!), which doesn’t do your bank account any favors. Think about it: there’s no reason to keep your air conditioner running at maximum cooling power when noone is home. Doing so wastes a ton of energy and increases the electricity bill.

A better option is to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats can accommodate multiple programs, which includes operating less often when you’re away. You can even program them to kick into higher gear and cool the home just before you walk through the door.

Smart thermostats offer similar benefits, but they feature advanced technology that learns your temperature preferences and adjusts the system accordingly. Plus, with Wifi compatibility and remote access, you can operate your HVAC system from anywhere using a mobile device.

Leaving Stuff On

When appliances and electronics are in standby mode, they’re still drawing energy and eating away at your electricity budget. More than that, appliances waste power even when they’re off and still plugged in. Unless you can easily unplug all corded items, you’re better off using power strips with an on/off button.

Using a remote-control outlet is another option. Remote plugs allow you to control electronics, lamps, appliances and other items remotely, keeping your energy use in check.

Another thing people tend to forget is their ceiling fans. While you certainly want to run the ceiling fan to help circulate air from your HVAC system, a fan isn’t much use unless you’re in the room. Get in the habit of flipping the switch off when you leave to give your ceiling fan an energy-saving break.

Using an Outdated HVAC

Many people put off upgrading to a new HVAC system for one reason or another. Maybe their schedules are too busy and they don’t have time to shop around, or perhaps they think relying on an existing model will save them money. The truth is, using an outdated HVAC system isn’t doing your checking account any favors.

HVAC technology has progressed drastically over the last few years, resulting in more energy-efficient models that effectively heat and cool a home using less electricity. If your heater or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Replacing your old HVAC unit with an Energy Star-certified model can cut your energy costs by up to 30 percent.

Saving money usually starts at home, and energy costs are no exception. Take stock of your current energy bills and where your family wastes energy the most. Being mindful of bad habits is always the first step toward developing new ones. Call JD’s A/C at (903) 759-7483 to learn more about our energy-efficient HVAC options and other money-saving solutions for your East Texas home.

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