As October marks National Energy Awareness Month, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is sharing tips to help households manage their energy use and potentially lower utility bills.
The agency is addressing common misconceptions about home energy efficiency. One belief is that closing vents in unused rooms saves money; however, TDHCA notes this is not effective. “Heating systems are built based on the design and ductwork in a home. Closing off vents could make a heating system work harder and thus increase energy costs.”
Another tip relates to window coverings. According to TDHCA, keeping them open during sunny winter days can allow sunlight to naturally heat a home, while closing them in summer helps block out heat.
TDHCA also warns about “phantom” or “vampire” power—energy consumed by electronics even when they are turned off but still plugged in. The agency recommends unplugging devices or turning them off completely to avoid unnecessary costs. “Phantom or vampire power is a thing and can make utility costs higher. It’s better to turn off or unplug electronic devices when not in use.”
Lighting choices are another area where immediate savings are possible. TDHCA states, “Energy efficient lighting is the fastest and easiest way to cut costs, and using fixtures that may include dimmers and/or motion sensors could help further by turning down or switching off lights in rooms not being used.”
Additional resources for weatherization and energy savings can be found through TDHCA’s Home Weatherization Tips handout at https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/home-weatherization-tips-energy-savings.
Residents interested in learning more about assistance programs or future updates from TDHCA can sign up for news alerts through the department’s website.
