Articles Written By: cdoelle

Your Energy Bill in Houston During the Summer Months

Average Energy Bill Cost in the Summer in Houston TXDuring periods of cold weather, portable heaters and strip heaters are among the highest sources of electricity demand. But now summer is approaching in Houston and as we all know that it is categorized as humid subtropical from June to August. When the heat comes calling, people will eventually use air conditioners or cooling units to do battle in a Summer temperature war. One of the highest reasons why an electric bill increases is the use of these cooling units.
There are factors that can affect of increasing of your electricity monthly bill. To get the cheapest electricity bill, the 3 main considering factors that could affect your monthly bill which are the contract length, rate per kWh, and the actual monthly electricity usage of usage.
In the heat of August alone, Houstonians were paying an average of $394.39.Most of that went toward keeping their homes and businesses cold 24 hours a day. And here are ways to keep your electricity bill low through summer months:

  • Regular and proper maintenance of your air conditioning can ensure that your system will operate at its maximum efficiency level. The more efficiently it runs the less energy and money you waste. Constant and right maintenance can also prevent many small problems from becoming big, expensive ones later. In addition, you have to replace air filters monthly. Dirty air filter can cost you money because it blocks the air flow, causing your unit to work harder to push cool air through your home. A clean air filter will save you money on energy usage and lengthen the life of your air conditioner.
  • Ceiling fans also is a systematic way to make a room comfortable without having to lower the temperature. The air circulation they provide evaporates moisture on your skin, causing you to feel cooler. The aggregate fan use and cautious management of your ac settings will result in overall energy savings. If you don’t  have ceiling fans, they can be easily installed in any room with an overhead light. You can avail them out at your local Home Depot  for less than $100.
  • Use a clothesline instead of a clothes dryer to save energy bill. If you have the room to spare, you could dry clothing inside on hangers.
  • Using programmable thermostat can also be one of your solution to lessen your energy bill. The programming temperature changes throughout the day will allow you to maximize the usage of an air conditioner to coincide with the outside conditions. It will also help you by automatically adjusting the temperature up when you are away at work or school . If you’re forgetful sometimes, no need to worry because this tool is an easy way to automate your savings. Just never forget to change the programming for each season.
  • By not letting the heat in is one way of cooling your house. Shades provide a huge barrier to the outside heat, and not require any electricity usage. If you currently have shades in your home than during the day, remember to keep them closed, especially when the sun is beating down in the afternoon. If you don’t have shades at home cover your windows with heavy, lined curtains to keep cool in.
  • Air leaks in doors or windows and through bad insulation could loss electricity in your home. You can save higher percentage of energy usage through proper insulation and air sealing. This could be a favorable savings off your bill, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Unplug home electronics when it is not in use to save more energy usage and achieve low electricity bill.

Health Benefits you get from your AC

health benefits from air conditioningThere are many health benefits from a good, clean air conditioning unit especially for those who live in hot climates. Air conditioning can create a healthy environment and deal with problems like dust, allergies, and help those suffering from debilitating conditions.

In the Air

Everyone can be subject to harmful effects from their environment. Even people in excellent health can suffer in high temperatures and fall victim to invisible airborne particles. Stale air, insecticides, fumes, and other problems always need management as well, even basic odors need addressing. While not harmful, odors don’t help you breathe easy. Modern day air conditioners can fix all of these issues!

Comfort

Fatigue can be caused from temperatures being too high or too low. This type of fatigue can cause headaches, colds, coughing and general discomfort. Too much heat or cold in a home will use up your energy and make you feel tired, and not sure why. Dehydration can also be a problem in a home if the humidity is too low, and on the flip side if the environment is too humid you can lose water as your body tries to adapt to the environment by making you sweat.

Long Term

Without an air conditioner keeping these problems away, it can create stress in your home. Being unable to feel comfortable can increase the stress especially at night when temperatures can fall, and during peak hours of the day when it can rise drastically. Extra stress can lower your immune system making you more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.

Houston January Weather Facts

january bannerIts January, do you feel winter setting in yet?

Temperatures in January average 63 degrees for the high and 45 degrees for the low.

Houston’s record high for January is 85 degrees set in 1972 and the record low is 10 degrees set in 1949.

The average humidity for Houston in January averages about 70%.

You can expect an average of 4.25 inches of rain this month.

Fun Fact: The Romans named it January after Janus, the God of gateways.

January Home Maintenance Checklist

  • devon-inventories-exeterOrganize your home improvement files.
  • Review warranties and product manuals to check on recommended maintenance for furnaces, equipment, appliances and tools.
  • Mark your calendar to track scheduled upkeep and service.
  • Inspect furniture, cabinets and vanities for loose knobs, pulls and hinges. Tighten or repair as necessary.
  • Lubricate squeaky door hinges with lightweight machine oil.
  • Free sticky doors by trimming edges or shimming hinges with thin pieces of cardboard.
  • Fix squeaks in floors and stairs by applying weight to the area (having a partner stand on it works) and driving an 8d or 12d galvanized finish nail through the flooring into a floor joist or stringer. If you have access to the floor from underneath, glue and screw backs to the floor or treads and to the joist or stringer.
  • Look for bargains on discontinued appliances and tools. Before buying, make sure that warranties are valid.
  • Make a room-by-room inventory of everything in your house. In the event of fire, flood or other disaster, it will be important in filing an insurance claim. Photographs or video of your possessions can also be helpful.
  • Don’t close vents to crawl spaces. If you live where pipes can freeze and the floor becomes very cold, insulate pipes and under the floor. Vents play an important role in controlling condensation beneath a house.
  • Double-check insulation around exterior pipes that are exposed to freezing weather to be certain that water cannot seep under the insulation.

Houston December Weather Facts

DecemberCalendarBannerIts December and hopefully you have been more nice and naughty!

Temperatures in December average 65 degrees for the high and 47 degrees for the low.

Houston’s record high for December is 84 degrees set in 1975 and the record low is 9 degrees set in 1989.

The average humidity for Houston in December averages about 60%.

You can expect an average of 3.75 inches of rain this month.

Fun Fact: “Jingle bells” was composed in 1857, and not for Christmas – it was meant to be a Thanksgiving song!