Want lower energy bills during summer? As temperatures rise and air conditioners work
overtime, it’s no surprise that electricity costs will surge.
Learning how to cut your electric bill during peak heat can make a significant difference
for your household budget. This blog, brought to you by BKV Energy, North Dallas
Moms; recommended electricity provider, offers practical strategies to help keep your
home cool without overspending.
1. Raise your thermostat (just a little)
Setting your thermostat to 76°F when your home and 78°F while you’re away can cut
cooling costs significantly. Each degree below 78 can increase energy use by 6%–8%.
Before you head out for a mid-day scoop of ice cream at Somi Somi Ice Cream or
Einswalt Gelato, set the thermostat to 78°F and let the savings stack up!
Raising your thermostat may sound uncomfortable to some Texans, but it pairs great
with our next step which can help indoor temperatures feel 4 degrees cooler!
2. Use ceiling fans strategically
To maximize the benefits of ceiling fans and ensure optimal energy efficiency,
especially since fans use far less electricity than air conditioning, follow these simple
steps:
-Counterclockwise Fan Rotation: Every fan in your home should rotate
counterclockwise during summer months to create a cooling downward airflow. A
clockwise rotation is better in winter for an upward flow that redistributes warm air
more efficiently.
-Medium to High Speed: Higher speeds create stronger breeze, making you feel
cooler. So, you’ll want to use higher speed settings at the hottest times of day
and slower speeds when it’s cooler later in the evening.
-Optimize Your Usage: Fans cool people, not rooms. Always remember to turn
the fans off when you move to another area of the house, otherwise you’re
wasting electricity.
3. Block out the sun
Strategic shading helps in two ways:
1. Preventing direct sunlight from entering your home
2. Keeping your outdoor AC unit cooler
By utilizing the tips below, you can improve the efficiency of your AC system, which
results in a lower electricity bill.
-Awnings, Pagodas, and Trellises: A strategically placed structure can help
shade your windows from outside your home. This is especially impactful on
south and west-facing sides of your home.
-Shut Blinds and Curtains: Blocking the sun from inside your home is also
effective. Window treatments like blinds, shades, and curtains can help keep
your indoor areas much cooler.
-Energy Efficient Landscaping: Leafy trees can provide maximum shade during
summer to help keep your home cool, but also lose their leaves and provide
more ambient light and heat during the winter.
4. Seal air leaks and insulate
Even small gaps around doors and windows can let in hot, humid air, driving up your
cooling costs. Weatherstripping, caulking, and proper insulation improve efficiency.
Hiring a professional for a home energy audit can help identify exactly where these
improvements are needed.
5. Adjust the brightness on your television
Decreasing the brightness and backlight settings on your television reduces how much
energy your TV consumes while you watch your favorite shows and movies. Plus, it’s
better for your eyes and can improve your sleep patterns.
6. Run large appliances at night or early morning
Use dishwashers, laundry machines, and dryers in the evening or early morning when
outdoor temperatures are lower. These appliances generate heat, so running them at
night helps keep your home cooler and lessens the load on your air conditioning system
during the day.
7. Switch to LED lighting
LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and give off less heat,
helping your AC do less work.
8. Tune up your HVAC system
Have your air conditioning system serviced before summer heat arrives in full force. A
clean filter and well-maintained unit run more efficiently—and more reliably.
9. Use a programmable or smart thermostat
Automated schedules help avoid unnecessary cooling when no one’s home, saving
money without any extra effort.
10. Use light dimmers and timers
Using dimmer switches and timers lets you customize lighting to match your ambiance
while saving energy. By managing when and how lights operate, you can avoid
unnecessary use, help bulbs last longer, and automate lighting schedules for added
efficiency.
11. Unplug electronics not in use
Even when powered off, devices like TVs, game consoles, and coffee makers consume
standby power. Consider smart plugs or power strips to shut them off completely.
12. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances
If you’re replacing appliances, look for ENERGY STAR certified models. They use less
energy and water, reducing long-term costs.
13. Install reflective window film
Window films block solar heat and UV rays, reducing indoor temperatures and helping
protect furniture from fading.
14. Use your pool pump efficiently
If you have a pool, limit pump use to 6–8 hours per day during off-peak times. Consider
a variable-speed pump for even more savings.
15. Avoid gimmicks and lock in savings with an
affordable fixed-rate plan like Bluebonnet
Not all electricity plans are created equal. Many providers advertise “free nights and
weekends” or “bill credit” gimmicks that can lead to unexpected bill spikes, especially
during peak summer usage.
These plans often mask higher energy rates with limited-time perks or confusing pricing
structures.
Instead, look for a transparent, no-nonsense plan like BKV Energy’s Bluebonnet plan. It
offers:
No base charges or minimum usage fees
Low, fixed rate you can count on
ElectroShare, annual loyalty payout
30-day no-risk period where early termination fees don’t apply
Full rate transparency what you see is what you get
For residents of the North Dallas area looking to control their energy costs, the
Bluebonnet plan delivers predictability, clarity, and long-term value without the
misleading marketing traps.
BONUS: BKV Energy can offer you a lower rate mid-
contract, for free
Yes, you read that correctly! With BKV Energy, it’s possible to secure a cheaper
electricity rate without switching electricity plans or providers. BKV Energy offers an
exclusive “Reduce Your Rate” program that monitors the Texas energy market daily.
If rates drop below your current locked-in price, we can offer you a lower rate without
the need to pay an early termination fee or switch providers.
It’s a hassle-free way to take advantage of market dips without lifting a finger or paying
a fee. No gimmicks, no penalties, just proactive savings when the opportunity arises.
Let BKV Energy Help You Take Control
At BKV Energy, we’re committed to helping North Dallas families take control of their
energy bills with straightforward, affordable electricity plans with no gimmicks or
surprises. Whether you are looking for stability, simplicity, or just a better rate, our
Bluebonnet plan is a customer favorite. Enter your zip code to explore plans tailored to
your home’s needs.