6 Ways to Defy the Average Electric Bill in Texas This Summer
Aim to be below average this summer – with your electric bill, that is. May signals consistently hotter temperatures as we get closer to the hot summer months. According to a 2015 survey, the average electric bill in Texas is about $110.21. With some savvy know-how and guidance from a trusted technician, you can challenge that average bill and bring your monthly rates down during the hottest time of the year. In today’s blog post we cover six easy ways you can start slashing your electric bill now.
Lucky Number 78 – Cold air blowing in at 72 or 70 degrees might feel refreshing, but most experts recommend setting your air conditioner at 78 degrees during the summer. If this seems too warm, don’t make an abrupt change. Instead, slowly raise the thermostat one degree at a time, once a week, until you reach 78.
Install a Programmable Thermostat – If your air conditioner did not come with a programmable thermostat, we encourage you to install one. According to the Energy Star website you can save about $180 with one of these gadgets. By programming temperature changes you maximize the use of your AC only when you need it, helping you adjust the temperature depending on outside conditions and whether you are gone from the home.
Take Good Care of Your Air Conditioner – We always recommend having an HVAC technician come out to examine and service your AC every spring, right before the temperatures start to rise. An AC that works too hard to push cool air through your home or business costs you extra money on your monthly bill and in repairs. You’re better off taking care of any necessary problems before they start sapping your budget.
Fire up the Grill – Your air conditioner has to work even harder to cool the house if you cook inside. Minimize generating extra heat by using a slow cooker instead of your oven or stove or grilling in the evening. You’ll get a nice change in cuisine and fatten your wallet at the same time.
Don’t Forget Your Ceiling Fans – Give your AC and your pocketbook a break by turning on ceiling fans. An efficient way to make a room more comfortable without having to lower the temperature, ceiling fans provide air circulation by evaporating moisture on your skin, thus causing you to feel cooler. Supplementing conservative AC use with fans will keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.
Seal Your Home – Another culprit that contributes to increased electric bills are leaky doors and windows. You could save up to 30% of energy usage by sealing doors and windows and fixing bad insulation. If you’re not sure if you’re home is leaking air, schedule a home energy audit with Gorman to assess the situation.
If you don’t want to face another average electric bill in Texas again this summer, consider these tips on lowering your energy costs. For any more questions on conserving energy and maintaining your AC, visit our website or call us at (817) 238-1616.
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Gorman Mechanical is interested in complete customer satisfaction and delivers on promises made. I have been completely satisfied with their integrity, honesty, customer loyalty, thoroughness and continued to follow up. I feel fortunate to have located their outstanding company among the many in the industry.
- Mark
Gorman Mechanical installed a brand new cooling and heating system in my home. The replacement unit was larger and more energy-efficient. Our house has never been cooler and our energy bill even went down…. I highly recommend them and their services.
- Thomas
I had an issue with my A/C unit not cooling properly. The technician, Stacy, arrived during the time frame I was given, and I received a phone call about 30 minutes prior to his arrival, letting me know he was on his way. He was very professional and conscientious in figuring out and explaining the issue to me. He work was complete in a little over an hour and my house is cool once again! I will definitely refer Gorman Mechanical to others.
- S.M.
A Gorman technician came over to set us up with a new A/C unit and he did a phenomenal job. He was very up front with any cost and got our install scheduled in one day. He did a great job at getting me the unit needed without running the price through the roof.
- Allen
I met with Gorman Mechanical’s Sales Manager. When he came out I had a bad taste in my mouth due to some misrepresentations made by another company that happened to be A rated on Angie’s List. Because of this I’m certain I was on the defensive and asked a million questions. He was very patient and took plenty of time answering all my questions. He was very knowledgeable and helped educate me on my options and the advantages/shortfalls of each. When I came to the actual bid, I felt it was very competitive compared to other bids I’d received. I felt so well informed and confident at that point I cancelled two other appointments I’d made for that day and signed up with Gorman Mechanical. He was able to promptly arrange a great deal on financing the bulk of the cost, leaving me to pay out of pocket for a couple last minute additions (extended warranty/Reme Halo). They did not want this until installation was complete. A couple days later they installed my new system and I’ve been very happy with it. Shortly after installation I had several other questions about maintenance and a small amount that was overcharged upon installation. He was very responsive answering my questions and arranging for a prompt refund check to be sent. Fortunately, it isn’t often that I need to spend so much money on an important purchase like this, but I felt very confident with my decision and going through the process with him and Gorman Mechanical made it painless. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gorman Mechanical to friends and family.
- Rick
The repairman, Tim H., was prompt and courteous. I explained that he was a second opinion for our 21-year-old AC. The first company said that I would need 2 parts totaling $600 plus a coil that they would have to send a salesman out to quote me a price. Also first company was suggesting that I really needed whole new system. After inspection, Tim showed me how a part was wired the wrong way and he replaced a compactor and repaired a burnt wire. 2 lbs Freon were added. Total cost was retail: $217.75. I had a warranty so I paid less but what a difference in $600.00+ and $217.75! AC is working fine now. And we didn’t have to buy a new system. Thanks, Gorman Mechanical and Tim H.! The world needs more honest repairmen like you!
- Jeannie
