Cranking Up the Savings Through Energy Efficiency

Strategic Insights -

During the winter months, managing and conserving energy usage becomes crucial as heating and air conditioning can account for more than 50% of a home's energy usage. One way to reduce energy usage is by adjusting the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower, which can decrease the bill by about 3% for every degree above 68. Additionally, simple tasks such as sealing air leaks, conserving hot water, and keeping doors and windows closed can also help keep energy bills in check.

Key Takeaways:

  • Setting the thermostat to 68 degrees during the winter months can reduce energy usage and decrease the bill by about 3% for every degree above 68.
  • Sealing air leaks by installing weather stripping around doors, windows, and any location where there may be a path between the inside and outside of the home or business can help reduce energy usage.
  • Conserving hot water by wrapping the electric water heater with a water heater blanket and setting the thermostat to 120 degrees or medium can also help reduce energy usage.
  • Keeping all doors and windows closed and ensuring fans are turning the right way (clockwise during the winter) can help keep the home warm without wasting energy.
  • Leveraging the sun by opening curtains and blinds during the day to let in the warm sunlight and closing them at night to reduce heat loss can also help reduce energy usage.
  • Entergy Texas offers energy-efficiency programs, flexible payment arrangements, and financial assistance through the Enhanced Customer Assistance plan, The Power to Care program, and the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for those struggling to pay their utility bills due to the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • Heating and air conditioning can account for more than 50% of a home's energy usage.
  • Adjusting the thermostat to 68 degrees can decrease the bill by about 3% for every degree above 68.
  • Installing weatherstripping can reduce air leaks by 20-40% (Source: Energy.gov).
  • Wrapping an electric water heater with a water heater blanket can save up to 9% of energy (Source: EPA.gov).
  • Entergy Texas provides electricity to approximately 461,000 customers in 27 counties.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE, January 11, 2021, Cranking Up the Savings Through Energy Efficiency
  • Entergy Texas, entergytexas.com
  • U.S. Department of Energy, Energy.gov (statistics on air leaks and energy savings from wrapping water heaters)
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA.gov (information on water heater blankets and energy savings)