AMARILLO — Xcel Energy is reminding Texas and New Mexico customers that using electricity more efficiently provides an effective way to reduce monthly billing costs without sacrificing comfort and safety.
“Summer electricity bills typically motivate us to find ways to cut energy costs, and the good news is there are many ways to do that,” said Brad Baldridge, Xcel Energy’s director of Customer and Community Relations for Texas and New Mexico. “Some are more impactful than others, but even the simplest and cheapest adjustments can translate into real savings.”
Xcel Energy offers tips for saving energy and money on its website, xcelenergy.com along with information on energy efficiency rebates and incentives. While there are dozens of suggested actions to take, Baldridge said, a few stand out as great places where customers can start taking action to reduce their monthly bills.
- Thermostat Adjustments – Heating and cooling costs account for about half of an annual household energy bill, and one of the simplest ways to cut these costs is better management of thermostats. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, customers can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning their thermostats back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day from normal settings. These adjustments are made easier by installing either a programmable or smart thermostat, both of which allow the customer to schedule thermostat adjustments. A smart thermostat offers the added benefit of allowing adjustments to be made remotely via a mobile app or the internet using a smart phone, tablet, or computer. Energy Star-certified smart thermostats can save up to 8% annually on heating and cooling costs, according to energystar.gov.
- Energy Proofing – Insulation in walls and attics and weather stripping around doors and windows can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Many of these products are available at minimal cost at local home improvement stores.
- Efficient Water Heating and Appliance Use – Energy to run washers, dryers and water heaters accounts for a significant share of monthly energy costs. Water heating alone can make up 20% of a monthly energy bill. Customers can reduce the amount of hot water used by installing low- – More – Xcel Energy details top ways to cut energy costs flow showerheads, replacing aerators on faucets and washing clothes in cold water. Wrapping water heaters in insulation helps hold heat inside the tank, also saving on costs. Additionally, customers can save money by drying clothes on lines or reducing the heat in electric dryers and using the air-dry cycle on automatic dishwashers.
- Lighting Efficiency – Typical residential electric customers spend as much as 10% of their annual energy dollars on lighting, according to energystar.gov. Switching to LEDs greatly reduces the amount customers pay for lighting since LEDs typically use 70 to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. Xcel Energy has partnered with select retailers across its Texas-New Mexico service area to offer discounts of up to $3 on select Energy Star LED bulbs. Customers can access a listing of these retailers at xcelenergy.com by clicking on Residential Services and scrolling to the Bulb Finder link at the bottom of the page.
Xcel Energy also provides Home Energy Services through approved contractors, at no cost, that help homeowners make their homes more weathertight and cheaper to heat and cool. Many items such as weatherstripping are installed as part of this service. A listing of these approved contractors and more information on this program can be found at xcelenergyefficiency.com.
Commercial customers may also take advantage of rebate programs for lighting efficiency and heating and cooling efficiency upgrades. Information on these rebate programs, along with other efficiency promotions and incentives can be found at xcelenergy.com by selecting either the Residential Services or Business Services links.
