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Energy Guide > Conservation &
Efficiency Tips > Frequently Asked Questions
 Sam Houston Electric Cooperative
provides answers to some of the most common questions about
electric conservation in this section.
1. How do I keep my energy
bill costs down at peak times?
2. Do fans really help save on electricity?
3. How can I use my landscaping as a energy saving
technique?
4. If I want to levelize my energy bill, what
temperature is best to set on the thermostat?
5. What makes the energy rates change?
Q. How do I keep my
energy bill costs down at peak times?
A. Energy usage is at its highest
in East Texas from May to October. As we all know, these months
are the hottest of the year, therefore we crank up our air
conditioners and try to keep cool in our homes. But don't
forget that East Texas can also have cold winters where we
try to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Follow these
tips to keep costs down at the peak times:
- Use ceiling and floor fans as much as
possible to keep circulation throughout your home.
- Repair leaky faucets (hot water uses electric
energy).
- Replace old, dried or loose window glazing
with new glazing to ensure that your
windowpanes fit tightly.
- Insulating shades or drapes can help keep
conditioned air in and cut down on heat gain.
- In hot weather, keep shades and drapes
drawn to minimize heat from the sunlight.
- In cold weather, keep them open for natural
heat from the sun.
- Plant trees or build a trellis to block
out solar radiation.
- Make sure your attic and house is well
insulated.
Q. Do fans really
help save on electricity?
A. YES! Fans do use electricity
to run, but the rewards of using your fans with or without
your air conditioning units are far more beneficial. Fans
increase the air circulation in your house. When the air conditioner
is running, fans help circulate the cool air which makes your
house feel cooler than the temperature at which your AC is
set. Ultimately, you conserve on electricity using fans because
you do not have to keep your thermostat as low.
Q. How can I use my
landscaping as a energy saving technique?
A. Think about how much cooler
it feels under the shade of a big tree on a hot day. The Department
of Energy estimates that just three trees positioned correctly
around the house can cut the energy used for heating and cooling
by 25 percent. Even shading your air conditioner compressor
can make a difference in what it costs you to stay cool.
Q.
If I want to levelize my energy bill, what temperature is
best to set on the thermostat?
A. This depends on the weather.
- You should always set your thermostat
20 degrees cooler than the temperature outside if it is
extremely hot weather. For example, if it is 103 degrees
outside, you should set your thermostat at 83 degrees. (Even
the most efficient air conditioning units cannot cool more
than 20 degrees below the outside temperature.)
- During the winter months, your thermostat
should be set between 65-70 degrees. Try not to go over
70 degrees for maximum conservation and efficiency.
Q. What makes the
energy rates change?
A. Energy rates are technically
wholesale power cost. Other factors that cause rates to change
are the cost of fuel and the cost of operating the system.
If you have another question, you can submit
a question to be answered by a Sam Houston Electric Cooperative
Member Services Representative. We'll email you a response
as soon as possible.
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