Whether you’re a Texas A&M student looking to save money by utilizing energy saving tactics in your College Station rental home or are homeowners searching for better ways to make your home in College Station Texas energy efficient, you’ve come to the right place. As a local Realtor® with decades of experience in the College Station real estate market, I’ve seen my fair share of energy efficient tips and tricks that have the best results – and those that provide minimal results at best.
To better help you make your home in College Station Texas energy efficient, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorites. From the effective, simple steps to those that give the best results, let’s take a look at some of the best tips and tricks for energy efficiency that I’ve seen over the years.
Energy Efficient Tips for Homes in College Station TX
- Minimize Your Phantom Load: The “phantom load” refers to the energy that an appliance or electronic device consumes when it is not actually turned on. In fact, the Department of Energy suggests that in the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. You can minimize or eliminate phantom loads by unplugging appliances and electronics when you are not using them, or by plugging them into a power strop and turning the strip off when not in use.
- Change Your Light Bulbs: This is perhaps the least expensive and most effective change you can make whether you rent or own homes in College Station TX. According to Energy Star, one of its compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), which are just a few dollars, can save more than $30 over its lifetime.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat works by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature to your desired schedule. While you’re at work, for example, you may not need as much heat/cooling as when you are at home. It is estimated that a programmable thermostat can save as much as 15 percent on heating and cooling costs. They are fairly easy to install and are sold at most home improvement stores. If you’re renting a College Station home, be sure to ask your landlord for permission to make such a change.
- Use Fans for Cooling: While the middle of a Texas summer may not be the time to use a fan for cooling, during the Spring and Fall, using a fan to reduce the need for air conditioning can reduce your energy consumption. In fact, for every degree that you raise your thermostat, it is estimated that you can save between 7 and 10 percent on your cooling costs!
- Conserve Water: When you use less hot water, you’ll see savings in your gas bill or in your electric bill if you have an electric water heater. In fact, the Department of Energy says that water heating is the third most energy consuming activity in your home. Take faster showers and be conscious of the water you use for washing dishes and clothes. You can also save energy by reducing your water heater’s thermostat to approximately 120 degrees.
- Consider New Windows: If you own your own home and can afford it, installing new storm windows can reduce temperature loss by sealing leaks and creating airspace between windowpanes. If you rent your College Station home, some energy specialists recommend using bubble wrap to cover windows and improve insulation. Insulated shades and window quilts are another great way to improve window insulation and save energy costs.
These are just a few of the tips to make your home in College Station Texas energy efficient. Feel free to browse my blog for more great College Station home tips, including 10 Things to Know When Buying a Home and more.
Backed by years of experience in the College Station and Bryan, Texas real estate markets, it would be my great pleasure to assist you with all your real estate needs – big and small. From energy efficiency tips to buying or selling a home in this vibrant community, let me be your industry connection to all things real estate related. Should you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation regarding your specific needs, I’m just a phone call away. I look forward to hearing from you soon!