What Uses the Most Electricity in Your Texas Home (And How to Wrangle Your Bill)
| Good to Know
What Uses the Most Electricity in Your Texas Home (And How to Wrangle Your Bill)
With big homes, long summers, and full-blast A/C, Texans know a thing or two about high energy usage. But here’s the good news: once you know what’s behind those big numbers, you can take control—without sweating it out.
Let’s break down what appliances are hogging your electricity, and how you can cut ‘em down to size.
The Biggest Energy Hogs in a Texas Home
1. Heating and Cooling (HVAC): 40–50% of Your Bill
No surprise here—your air conditioning and heater are the biggest energy guzzlers, especially in our triple-digit Texas summers. If your system’s working overtime or your home’s got leaky ducts or poor insulation, your bill’s gonna show it.
How to cut HVAC costs:
Keep that thermostat steady: 78°F in summer, 68°F in winter.
Use ceiling fans to feel cooler without touching the thermostat.
Swap your air filter every month and get annual checkups.
Install a smart thermostat to fine-tune usage and take advantage of off-peak pricing.
Want a deep dive into choosing the right A/C for Texas heat? Check out our blog on the best AC units for Texans.
2. Water Heater: 12–15%
Your water heater’s quietly burning energy ‘round the clock, even when no one’s showering or doing dishes. That “always-on” heating adds up.
Ways to lower water heating usage:
Turn the thermostat down to 120°F.
Wash clothes with cold water and shorten your showers.
Upgrade to a tankless or heat pump water heater if you're planning long-term savings.
3. Clothes Dryer: 5–7%
Dryers are big heat machines, and heat takes a lot of juice. If you’re doing laundry at peak hours, you’re spending more than you need to.
Dry smarter, not harder:
Use lower heat settings or hang dry when you can.
Clean the lint trap after every use and keep that vent clear.
Do laundry at night with a time-of-use plan for lower.
Looking to save even more? We’ve got 13 laundry tips to keep your dryer from running.
4. Refrigerator: 5–8%
Fridges don’t take breaks. But older models can be energy hogs, running up your bill day and night.
Keep it chill without draining your wallet:
Set the fridge to 37–40°F, freezer to 0°F.
Don’t overstuff it—circulating air is key.
Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® model if yours is more than 10 years old.
5. Lighting: 5–6%
Lighting ain’t the biggest piece of the pie, but it’s an easy one to fix.
Flip the switch on savings:
Replace old bulbs with LEDs (they use up to 80% less power).
Use timers, dimmers, and motion sensors.
Open them curtains and use good ol’ natural light when the sun’s up.
Why When You Use Power Matters in Texas
In Texas, timing ain’t just for brisket cookin’—it matters for electricity, too. Power costs more during peak hours (usually 5–9 PM). That’s why Energy Texas offers plans that reward smart timing, helping you save when you shift usage to off-peak.
Smart Usage, All Day Long
Morning (6–9 AM): Run the dishwasher, charge devices before the rush starts.
Afternoon (3–7 PM): Pre-cool your home early. Skip running laundry or the oven.
Night (9 PM–6 AM): Wash clothes, charge your EV, and knock out other big energy chores.
Round Up Your Energy Costs (Without Giving Up Comfort)
Knowing what’s behind your electric bill means you can take charge. From setting your thermostat smart to running your dryer when rates are low, a few tweaks can make a real difference.
And if you’re ready to make those savings stick, take a look at our simple, honest energy plans. We built them for Texans like you.
FAQs
What appliances use the most electricity in a Texas home? Your HVAC takes the top spot, making up 40–50% of the average Texas bill. Water heaters, dryers, refrigerators, and lighting follow behind.
How can I lower my bill without giving up comfort? Adjust your thermostat a few degrees, upgrade appliances when possible, run energy-heavy stuff at night, and swap in LED bulbs. Bonus points if you use a smart thermostat.
Do time-of-use plans really help? They sure can! If you shift your power use to non-peak hours, TOU plans can help you save big.
Is upgrading to energy-efficient appliances worth it? You bet. ENERGY STAR® appliances, tankless water heaters, and smart thermostats cost more upfront but save you over time.
How do I figure out where I'm wasting energy? Start with a DIY energy audit. Our step-by-step guide makes it simple.