Axios readers' tips for minimizing your summertime electric bill
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
We can't make the Texas heat go away, but we do have some tips to make it hurt your wallet less.
Driving the news: Earlier this month, we asked Axios Dallas and Axios San Antonio readers to share what they do to keep their electric bills as low as possible.
Here are some recommendations...
🧦 Suleman P. uses the washer and dryer at night and keeps his AC at 74 degrees.
❌ Daniela T. ditches the dryer, instead air-drying her laundry.
🚿 Bryan W. suggests hosing off your outside AC condenser — dirt and debris can clog the metal fans and force your system to work harder in the heat.
- "A LIGHT pressure hosing does the job and you can watch the runoff go from dirty to clear in just a few minutes," Bryan says.
🧳 Lori B. leaves the state for as much of the summer as possible (lucky!) and keeps the thermostat at a "much higher temperature" while away.
- As her date of return approaches, Lori uses the thermostat app to gradually lower the temperature one degree at a time to prep the house for her return.
⏱️ Susan B. sets the AC to different temps throughout the day, depending on her needs. Her summer schedule is 80 degrees while at work, 78 for the return home, 76 in the evening and 73 overnight.
- She also air-dries laundry for a few hours before tossing it in the dryer. "Results in a short run time, but still soft and fluffy," Susan says.
💭 Naheed's thought bubble: Your electric plan makes a big difference, too.
- Compare providers and plans based on your needs through tools such as the Public Utility Commission of Texas' Power to Choose website and Energy Ogre's paid services.