Hot Texas Summers

Texas knows heat, and the long summer pushes demand higher and higher through the summer months. Air conditioning contributes a large portion of demand for electricity every summer (and some winters too), but that's not the whole story. In addition to air conditioning, there are lots of ways around the house (and school) where we use energy.

We turn on appliances and walk through rooms every day without a thought to where the electricity comes from, or how much they are using. The Home Energy Survey and Energy Checklist are ways to make the students aware of what they are using throughout the day.

Some things to consider include:

• Temperature: changing the temperature on the thermostat.
• Windows: caulking, curtains, draft doggies
• Water Heater: water heater blankets cost $15-20 and are easy to install
• Light bulbs: CFL bulbs use less energy and are relatively inexpensive.
• Leaving lights on: change in habit, reminder notes

Check the Home Energy Survey for the full activity instructions.