How to Save on Your Summer Electricity Bill

Summer is almost here! For most geographic areas in the United States and especially around Houston, that means we will be turning on our air condition units, opening pools and spas, using outdoor lighting for entertainment, and so on.

The summer months' activities may put a smile on your face until you see your electricity bill. This post provides a few useful money-saving, electric conservation tips, so you won't have to turn that smile upside down.

- Consider using compact fluorescent lights or CFLs. CFLs use up to three-fourths less energy and last up to ten times longer than incandescent lights.

- Turn off your lights during the day and take advantage of natural sunlight - especially when you leave a room!

- Consider using three-way lighting in particular rooms especially during certain times of the day when ample sunlight is present.

- Use a bulb of higher wattage rather than multiple of a lesser wattage whenever possible. For instance, use one 100 watt bulb rather than two, 60 watt bulbs.

- Rather than room lighting, try using 'task' lighting entities such as desk lamps.

- Use ceiling or portable fans whenever possible rather than pumping the air condition unit to full blast.

- Use blinds and shades to keep the heat out during the day, yet open doors and windows at night when it is cool to let in some colder air.

- Clean or replace your air condition filters regularly.

- Keep external air condition units free from leaves and other debris.