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Monday | August 18, 2025
All News

Saving energy doesn’t have to mean making big sacrifices or living in the dark. With a few small changes in daily habits, you can lower your electric bill, reduce wear on your appliances, and help the environment. Here are some easy and effective tips you can start using today:

1. Unplug “Energy Vampires”

Even when turned off, devices like phone chargers, coffee makers, and game consoles continue to draw power if they’re plugged in. Use a power strip so you can shut off several devices at once—or just unplug what you’re not using.

💡 Pro Tip: If the device has a light or display that stays on, it’s still using electricity.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

Heating and cooling make up nearly half of a home’s energy use.

  • In summer: Set your thermostat as high as comfortable (around 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away).

  • In winter: Keep it lower (around 68°F when you’re home and lower when you’re asleep or gone).

💡 A smart thermostat can adjust automatically and save you money year-round.

3. Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. They’re available in warm and cool tones, so you can match the lighting style you like while saving money.

💡 Bonus: LEDs give off less heat, keeping rooms cooler in summer.

4. Use Appliances Wisely

  • Laundry: Wash clothes in cold water when possible, and always wait for a full load before running the washer or dryer.

  • Dishwasher: Run it only when full, and choose the air-dry setting instead of heat-dry.

  • Oven & Stove: Cook with lids on pots and use smaller appliances (microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker) for smaller meals.

5. Seal Up Drafts

Air leaks around doors, windows, and ducts make your HVAC system work harder. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps, and check that your insulation is adequate—especially in attics.

💡 A simple door draft stopper can make a big difference in comfort and savings.

6. Take Advantage of Natural Light

Instead of flipping on lights during the day, open blinds or curtains to brighten your home. Position furniture to make the most of daylight, and you’ll save on lighting and heating costs.

7. Maintain Your Systems

  • Replace HVAC filters regularly.

  • Clean refrigerator coils once or twice a year.

  • Keep vents clear of furniture and dust.

💡 Well-maintained systems run more efficiently, which saves both energy and repair costs.

Energy conservation isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about building better habits over time. Start with one or two tips, and you’ll begin to notice savings on your energy bill. The best part? These small changes also make your home more comfortable and help protect our planet for future generations.

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©2025 Nueces Electric Cooperative. Energizing South Texas for a stronger tomorrow.

  • About Us
    • About NEC
    • Board of Directors
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Co-op FAQ's
    • CR Relations
    • Meet the Team
    • Rates & Fees
    • Service Area
    • Transparency and Your Cooperative
    • 2024 Annual Meeting
  • Member Services
    • Capital Credits
    • Choose A Power Provider
    • Critical Care Renewal Letter
    • Member Handbook
      • Understanding Your Electric Bill
    • Metering
    • New Construction
    • New Service Applications
    • Outages
      • Outage Texting
      • Load Shed Events
    • Payment Options
      • SmartHub Mobile FAQs
  • Efficiency & Safety
    • Distributed Resources
      • Solar Energy
      • GENERAC
    • Energy Calculators
    • Energy for Teachers and Kids
    • ERCOT FAQs
    • Power Usage Alerts
    • Safety
    • Together We Save
    • Understanding Demand
  • Community Involvement
    • 5th Annual Coastal Bend Lineman Rodeo
    • Community Calendar
    • Deck the House Holiday Decorating Contest
    • Field Trips
    • HALO-Flight Guardian Program
    • #Lineman2Lineman Program
    • Nueces Electric Charities
    • Operation Round-Up
    • Rural Friends/ACRE Form
    • Safety Awareness
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Leadership Tour
    • Voices for Cooperative Power
  • News
    • Media
    • News & Publications
  • Storm Center