Summer is almost here, and with hot, Texas weather comes rising electric bills and other costly household expenses. There are ways to prepare your home and get it ready for the hot Texas months ahead. None of these money saving tips are particularly costly, but each of them can contribute to turning your home into a more comfortable place to escape the blazing summer sun.
Replace your air filters in your air conditioner and vents. Accumulated dust, dirt, and other allergens can all cause your system to work less efficiently. There are websites you can have them delivered to your door monthly, so it reminds you to change them on time!
Clean out debris from your outside air conditioning unit and water heating unit.
Inspect and make repairs to any leaking ducts. An AC service may be a good idea for older units.
If you do not have one already, get a programmable thermostat and set it to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are at home and higher when you are away.
Check for sources of phantom power, as these can drive up electrical costs. Disconnect electronics, appliances, and tools when they are not in use. Leaving these plugged in will continue to cause a drain in power.
Clean your ceiling fans and window fans, then make sure they are operational. Using a fan to circulate air can significantly cut down costs during the summer months.
Check windows and doors for leaks. Make necessary adjustments so that hot air does not seep in and cooler air stays inside.
Turn your water heater down to the warm setting. There is no reason to heat up your water as much over the summer months as the water will have time to warm up on its own while sitting in the tank and pipes.
Set a schedule so that you only run your dishwasher, washing machine, and other key appliances during off peak hours and when you have a full load. Use cold water settings. Let the sun dry your laundry if possible, as this will not only save money, but also make your items smell fresh and clean.
Having the right insurance policy can also prevent you from having to incur costly repair expenses during the hottest time of the year. One of the final steps you should take to prepare your home for hot weather is to review your homeowners insurance policy, renters insurance policy, auto insurance policy, and any other personal insurance policy to ensure that you are covered in the event of a breakdown, accident, injury, or natural disaster. Heat-related injuries and deaths increase substantially during the hot summer months.
The Goff Insurance Group will be more than happy to review your existing personal insurance policy or present you with options you can afford.
We hope that you will never find reason to use your personal insurance, but it is important to plan for the unexpected. Having inadequate or no personal insurance coverage can lead to paying thousands out-of-pocket. The Goff Insurance Group is committed to doing everything we can to help you obtain the highest level of coverage at the lowest possible price. Click GET A QUOTE or call us at 972-265-9083.