How do I keep my energy bill costs down at peak times?
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Do fans really help save on electricity?
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How can I use my landscaping as an energy saving technique?
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If I want to levelize my energy bill, what temperature is best to set on the thermostat? 
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What makes the energy rates change?
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Q. How do I keep my energy bill costs down at peak times?
A. Energy usage is at its highest in East Texas from May to October. As we all know, these months are the hottest of the year, therefore we crank up our air conditioners and try to keep cool in our homes. But don't forget East Texas can also have cold winters where we try to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Follow these tips to keep costs down at the peak time.

- Use ceiling and floor fans as much as possible to keep circulation throughout your home.

- Repair leaky faucets (hot water uses electric energy).

- Replace old, dried or loose window glazing with new glazing to ensure your windowpanes fit tightly.

- Insulating shades or drapes can help keep conditioned air in and cut down on heat gain.

- In hot weather, keep shades and drapes drawn to minimize heat from the sunlight.

- In cold weather, keep them open for natural heat from the sun.

- Plant trees or build a trellis to block out solar radiation.

- Make sure your attic and house is well insulated.

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Q. Do fans really help save on electricity?
A. YES! Fans do use electricity to run, but the rewards of using your fans with or without your air conditioning units are far more beneficial. Fans increase the air circulation in your house. When the air conditioner is running, fans help circulate the cool air which makes your house feel cooler than the temperature at which your air conditioner is set. Ultimately, you conserve on electricity using fans because you do not have to keep your thermostat as low.

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Q. How can I use my landscaping as a energy saving technique?
A. Think about how much cooler it feels under the shade of a big tree on a hot day. The Department of Energy estimates just three trees positioned correctly around the house can cut the energy used for heating and cooling by 25 percent. Even shading your air conditioner compressor can make a difference in what it costs you to stay cool.

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Q. If I want to levelize my energy bill, what temperature is best to set on the thermostat?
A. This depends on the weather.

• You should always set your thermostat 20 degrees cooler than the temperature outside if it is extremely hot weather. For example, if it is 103 degrees outside, you should set your thermostat at 83 degrees. (Even the most efficient air conditioning units can not cool more than 20 degrees below the outside temperature.)
  
• During the winter months, your thermostat should be set between 65-70 degrees. Try not to go over 70 degrees for maximum conservation and efficiency.
  

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Q. What makes the energy rates change?
A. Energy rates are technically wholesale power cost. Other factors that cause rates to change are the cost of fuel and the cost of operating the system.

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