Weathering the Storm

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Proven Strategies to Safeguard Your Home During Scorching Summers and Frigid Winters

If you’re a Texan, you know that our weather can be pretty crazy. One minute, it’s a scorching summer day, and the next, a frigid winter storm is rolling in.

If you’ve ever opened your electricity bill after a fierce month, you know that extreme temperatures can seriously drain your wallet.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

But here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to safeguard your home and your bank account from the ravages of Texas weather.

Whether you want to lower your monthly bills or make your home more comfortable year-round, these tips can help.

Prep Your Home for Anything

The first step to saving money on your energy bills is ensuring your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. That means doing things like:

• Upgrading your insulation to keep the heat (or cold) out
• Sealing any cracks or leaks around your windows and doors
• Maintaining your HVAC system to keep it running efficiently
• Trimming any trees that could damage your home during a storm

It might seem like a lot of work upfront, but trust me, it’s worth it. A well-prepared home can help you stay comfortable and keep your energy bills in check, no matter what the weather’s doing outside.

Switch Up Your Habits with the Seasons

As the seasons change, so should your energy-saving strategies. In the summer, try things like:

• Using fans to help cool your home instead of relying solely on your AC
• Keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day
• Grilling outside instead of using your oven or stove

And when winter comes around, you can:

• Open your curtains during the day to let in some natural heat from the sun
• Use draft stoppers to prevent cold air from seeping in under your doors
• Layer up with warm clothing instead of cranking up the heat

Little changes like these can add up to significant savings on your energy bills.

Put Your Yard to Work

Did you know that proper landscaping can help lower your energy costs?

It’s true. Planting trees on the sunny side of your home can provide much-needed shade in the summer, while a well-placed windbreak can shield your home from cold winter gusts.

To take things to the next level, consider xeriscaping with native, drought-resistant plants. You will save money on your water bills and have a beautiful, low-maintenance yard that can withstand even the harshest Texas weather.

Harness the Power of the Sun

If you’re ready to invest seriously in your home’s energy efficiency, consider going solar.

Installing solar panels can help you generate clean, renewable energy, translating to significant savings on your electricity bills.

With plenty of sunny days in Texas, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to use those panels.

Shop Around for the Best Electricity Plan

Speaking of electricity plans, it’s always a good idea to shop around and ensure you get the best deal.

Look for plans that offer incentives for using energy during off-peak hours or have low solar buyback rates if you have panels on your roof.

And don’t be afraid to switch things up if your plan isn’t working. Just be sure to read the fine print and watch out for any hidden fees or charges.

Get Help When You Need It

If you struggle to keep up with your electricity bills, know you’re not alone. There are plenty of energy assistance programs out there that can help, including:

• The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
• The Lite Up Texas Program
• The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Contact your local utility company or social services office to learn more about these programs and see if you qualify.

The Bottom Line

Living in Texas means dealing with some pretty wild weather, but that doesn’t mean you must let it wreck your budget.

By making a few simple changes around your home and being smart about your energy use, you can keep your bills in check and your home comfortable all year.

So don’t let those crazy temperature swings get you down. With some preparation and know-how, you can weather any storm that comes your way – literally and figuratively.