The long, sweltering summer is over! Finally, you can turn off your air conditioning system and open your windows to let the fresh air in. At NEC Co-op Energy, we love the fall as much as any of our Texas neighbors, not only because a reduction in air conditioning usage is better for our environment, but it also allows our Corpus Christi members to save more of their hard-earned money on energy costs.

If you’re eager to conserve energy and you are looking for reliable ways to reduce your electric bill, be sure to check out the following ways to reduce your electric bill from the best electric company in Texas – NEC Co-op Energy.

1. Seal Your House

Southern Texas may not have exceptionally cold winters, but the evenings can become pretty cool. Home insulation will reduce the transfer of heat in and out of your home. By adding insulation to your house, especially in the attic where the cold air can seep in, you can ensure that your temperature indoors remains comfortable. Adding weather stripping to your doors will also prevent the cool night air from seeping into your home.

2. Air Dry Clothing and Bedding

The crisp and cooler fall air is perfect weather for air-drying clothing. You can save money on your electric bill by cutting back on dryer usage. According to Energy Star, your dryer uses around 90% of its energy by heating up water. Switching your temperature settings from hot to warm can cut your energy consumption – and shifting from warm to cold can save even more.

Line-drying is a great energy-saving option this season. It’s is a simple task from a simpler time, but there are plenty of reasons to go this route.  Over time, a dryer’s tumbling action breaks down the fibers in your clothes, which winds up as lint. And if saving energy is your priority, know that a huge percentage of the electricity used in the average home goes into drying laundry. Choosing to air-dry your clothes will spare your energy bill an extra dry cycle and will add to your favorite shirt’s shelf life!

3. Use Major Appliances at Night

The best time to use your major appliances is when the overall electricity use is low. Peak demand is when electricity use is high and the electricity supply is constrained. During the day, there is a greater demand for energy usage. That means the rates are higher. You can reduce your energy costs this fall (and all year long) simply by operating your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher late at night or very early in the morning. As a rule-of-thumb, after 9 pm and before 9 am are off-peak in most situations. By avoiding peak usage times, you’ll conserve energy and reduce your electric bill.

4. Home Upgrades

If your major appliances are more than ten years old, there’s a strong possibility that they’re guzzling more energy than you actually want to pay for. As your Corpus Christi electric provider, we recommend that our customers evaluate appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators once they begin to operate inefficiently or suffer breakdowns. Instead of investing in the repair of an older appliance, consider purchasing a more energy-efficient model that will save you energy costs in the long run. Other home upgrades to keep in mind include the installation of a smart thermostat, energy-efficient windows, and a solar attic fan.

As one of the most trusted electricity providers in Texas, NEC Co-op Energy is always looking for ways to conserve energy and help its members reduce their electric bill. If you haven’t already, conduct an energy audit to identify where you can save the most, and consider making a larger investment for long-term energy savings.