Enhance Summer Energy Efficiency In San Antonio
In San Antonio, summer temperatures consistently reach the upper 90s — and your utility bills can often exceed this range! At Air & Drain Works, we understand the pressure high energy costs can place on homeowners during peak cooling season.
Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can improve summer energy efficiency and effectively manage your electricity usage. From routine air conditioning maintenance to air quality tactics like filter replacements, you can take steps to lower your electricity costs. Let’s explore practical, proven methods to lower your energy consumption.
How To Keep Electric Bill Down In Summer
During the summer, your HVAC system accounts for a substantial portion of your utility usage. If you’re asking how to keep electric bills down in summer, it starts with increasing system efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy loss.
Program Your Thermostat For Efficiency
The San Antonio heat can be brutal, especially during the mid-point of the year. It’s understandable to want to have your cooling system at a low temperature, but turning it up even 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit can contribute to utility savings in the area. The smaller the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures, the lower your electric bill will be.
Smart and programmable thermostats allow homeowners to automate temperature adjustments based on time of day and occupancy. Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when home and increasing it by 7-8 degrees when away can lower your cooling costs by up to 10 percent annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Improve Insulation And Air Sealing
Proper insulation in your attic and walls prevents heat transfer, while air sealing around windows and doors reduces the load on your cooling system. Identifying and correcting these sources of energy loss can reduce thermal weak points in your home’s envelope.
Schedule Preventive HVAC Maintenance
Routine AC maintenance keeps your air conditioning system operating at peak performance. Dirty coils, clogged filters and low refrigerant levels can all cause your system to overwork. This operation increase can enhance system wear and drive up your energy usage.
Optimize Household Systems And Appliances
While your AC is the primary energy driver in summer, other systems and appliances play a supporting role in overall energy consumption.
Supplement Cooling With Ceiling Fans
Fans circulate conditioned air more effectively and allow you to set your thermostat higher without compromising indoor comfort. They should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push air downward and boost cooling effectiveness.
Control Solar Heat Gain
Heat from direct sunlight can raise indoor temperatures significantly. Use thermal curtains, shades or UV-blocking window films on sun-facing windows. These tools reduce passive solar heating during the hottest parts of the day.
Upgrade Lighting And Electronics
LED bulbs generate less heat and use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs. Additionally, plug electronic devices into power strips that can be switched off to eliminate energy consumption when they’re not in use.
San Antonio’s Average Electric Bill In Summer
In San Antonio, the average electric bill in summer ranges from $150 to $170 per month. However, a few factors can influence this cost:
- Age and SEER rating of your HVAC system
- Outdoor temperature and indoor set point
- Insulation and ductwork condition
- Usage of high-wattage appliances during peak hours
To reduce your electricity consumption, consider pre-cooling your home during off-peak hours and using a programmable thermostat to reduce cooling output when you’re not home.
Habits That Reduce Summer Energy Waste
You don’t need to invest in an HVAC overhaul to see real savings. Implementing these habits can reduce strain on your system and lower monthly costs:
- Cook outdoors or use small appliances to avoid adding indoor heat
- Run dishwashers and laundry machines at night
- Use cold water when washing clothes to reduce water heater demand
- Keep windows and doors closed while your AC is running
Stay Cool Without Overspending: Call Air & Drain Works
At Air & Drain Works, we specialize in helping San Antonio homeowners improve energy efficiency through professional HVAC maintenance, thermostat upgrades and insulation improvements. Reducing your summer energy usage isn’t just about saving money — it’s about maximizing comfort and HVAC performance.
Let’s bring down your utility bills together — one smart solution at a time. Schedule a service with our team to prepare your home for the demands of the Texas heat.
