Understanding your energy usage and why you pay more during the summer is an age old question that Texans ponder year after year. There are several reasons why you might use more electricity during the summer months.
Common factors that increase electricity consumption
- Air conditioning: One of the primary reasons for increased electricity usage in the summer is the use of air conditioning systems. Cooling your home requires a significant amount of energy, especially if you live in a hot climate or use your AC for extended periods. Running air conditioners continuously or at lower temperatures can contribute to higher electricity bills.
- Increased appliance usage: During the summer, people often spend more time indoors and may use more electrical appliances such as fans, microwaves and ovens. When we are home we also have a tendency to open and close refrigerators, and freezers more frequently, making them work harder to keep food cold. Additionally, households with children on summer break might have more electronic devices being used such as; gaming consoles, or televisions, leading to increased electricity consumption.
- Longer days: The summer season typically has longer daylight hours, which means you may rely less on artificial lighting during the day and allow natural light to illuminate your home which adds to the inside temperature. Also, when it gets dark, temperatures usually decrease. With longer days, we do not decrease our energy usage. However, decreased daylight can also lead to increased usage of outdoor lighting during the evenings and nights, which can contribute to higher electricity consumption.
- Electric grilling and outdoor activities: Many people enjoy outdoor activities, barbecues, or cooking on electric grills during the summer. These activities involve using appliances and can add to energy consumption.
Fun fact
The type of TV you have as well as the size of your TV determine how much money you are spending each month to run that TV. A large LED, LCD or OLED TV can cost you $3.50 – $5.00 a month. If you have 3 TV’s, you could be spending $15.00 a month. On top of the running-cost, your TV puts off heat. During the summer, this heat is not welcome and causes your AC to work harder to keep your home cool- further adding to the energy usage and increasing the amount that you end up paying.
Manage your electricity usage and reduce your bill with energy saving tips
- Set your AC to an energy-efficient temperature and use thermostats that can be programmed to adjust temps based on your schedule.
- Use fans alongside air conditioning to enhance air circulation and reduce the need to turn down the thermostat.
- Insulate and seal air leaks in your home to prevent cool air from escaping.
- Close window curtains or blinds during the day to block out heat from the sun.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and turn off electronics when not in use (aka, turn off the TV).
- Use energy-efficient outdoor lighting options.
- Maintain your AC system by cleaning or replacing filters regularly.
- Consider using natural ventilation methods like opening windows during cooler parts of the day (if there is a cool part of the day).
By implementing these practices, you can help reduce your electricity usage and mitigate the impact on your summer energy expense. Visit our energy saving tips page for more great ways to keep your usage and energy cost down this summer. Or, get in the know by becoming a Pogo Customer and enjoy the benefits of pay as you go energy and all the Perks that come with Pogo.