Summers in East Texas can be brutal—scorching temperatures, thick humidity, and an AC that seems to run nonstop. If you’re like most homeowners in the area, you’ve probably braced yourself each year for that steep jump in your energy bill once the mercury rises. But keeping your home comfortable doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategies, you can stay cool and significantly cut down on your cooling costs.
Let’s walk through some practical and proven ways to keep those energy bills in check—tailored specifically for homes right here in East Texas.
Seal Up Air Leaks Around Your Home
One of the first steps you should take is inspecting your home for air leaks. Even small gaps around windows, doors, and other openings can let in hot, humid East Texas air and force your AC to work overtime.
Weatherstripping and caulk are simple, affordable fixes that make a big difference. Walk around your home and look for areas where you feel drafts or see daylight around doors or windows. Don’t forget spots like attic access points, electrical outlets, and gaps around plumbing. Sealing these areas tight helps your home retain cool air longer and reduces strain on your HVAC system.
Upgrade Insulation—Especially in the Attic
A properly insulated home is key to energy efficiency, especially in our region where attic temps can soar above 140°F during summer. If your attic doesn’t have enough insulation—or if the insulation is old and compressed—it’s allowing heat to creep into your living space.
Consider blown-in fiberglass or spray foam insulation for East Texas homes, where high humidity can diminish the performance of older insulation types. The upfront cost is often outweighed by the long-term energy savings, and you’ll notice a difference almost immediately.
Invest in Smart Thermostat Technology
Smart thermostats can do wonders for managing cooling costs, especially in a climate like ours where every degree matters. These devices learn your patterns, adjust temperatures automatically, and let you control settings from your phone—even when you’re not home.
For East Texas homeowners, setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home and bumping it up a few degrees when you’re away can help lower energy use. Many smart thermostats also track energy consumption and give recommendations for more efficient cooling schedules, which means you’re always one step ahead.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your air conditioner is your lifeline during the summer months, but it needs regular attention to work at peak performance. A clogged filter, dirty coils, or low refrigerant levels can all cause your system to run inefficiently—and drive up your electric bill.
In East Texas, dust and pollen can build up quickly, so scheduling seasonal HVAC tune-ups is critical. A professional technician will check your system, clean components, and make sure everything is running as efficiently as possible before the real heat kicks in.
Shade Your Windows and Roofline
Direct sunlight can raise indoor temps fast—especially in the afternoons when the East Texas sun is blazing. Installing solar screens, window film, or thermal curtains helps block radiant heat before it ever enters your home.
You might also consider planting shade trees or installing awnings and pergolas near south- and west-facing windows. Over time, this natural shading not only cuts down on cooling needs but also boosts curb appeal.
Consider Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Windows
Single-pane or older windows do very little to keep the summer heat out. If your home still has original or outdated windows, it may be worth upgrading to double-pane, Low-E windows designed for the East Texas climate.
Low-E (low emissivity) coatings reflect infrared light and reduce the amount of heat that passes through the glass. These windows help keep your indoor temperature stable and reduce the frequency and length of your AC cycles.
Cook Smart and Use Appliances Wisely
Appliances—especially ovens, stoves, and dryers—can heat up your home quickly. During the summer months, shift your cooking and laundry habits to cooler parts of the day.
Grilling outside, using a slow cooker, or preparing cold meals can minimize heat buildup in your kitchen. Likewise, running your dishwasher and dryer at night when it’s cooler helps reduce indoor heat and gives your AC a break.
Make the Switch to LED Lighting
While lighting may not seem like a big contributor to heat, traditional incandescent bulbs emit quite a bit of it. Swapping them out for LED bulbs can reduce heat gain and lower your overall electricity usage.
This is a quick, inexpensive change that adds up—especially if you replace lights in rooms you use most often during the day.
Reflect Heat with Cool Roofing Materials
In East Texas, your roof is constantly exposed to intense sun. If it’s time for a new roof or you’re considering an upgrade, look into cool roofing materials like metal roofs with reflective coatings or light-colored shingles. These materials reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional dark shingles.
As a result, your attic and upper floors stay cooler, and your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to bring the temperature down.
Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans don’t lower the room temperature, but they make you feel cooler by moving air across your skin. This allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
In the summer, make sure your fans spin counterclockwise to create a wind-chill effect. Turn fans off when you leave a room—there’s no sense in cooling an empty space.
Bonus Tip: Take Advantage of Utility Rebates
Many East Texas utility companies offer rebates and incentives for making energy-efficient upgrades, like installing smart thermostats, replacing HVAC systems, or upgrading insulation. These programs can help offset initial costs and speed up your return on investment.
Before making big improvements, check with your local utility provider to see what rebates or discounts you may qualify for.
Ready to Make Your Home More Efficient?
At Home Projex, we understand how tough East Texas summers can be—and we know how to help homeowners stay cool without wasting money. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading your insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, or sealing up your home for better performance, our team is ready to help. We’re local, experienced, and committed to quality.
Contact us today for a free quote, and let’s turn your home into a cool, energy-saving machine this summer.
