Mockingbird Park letter: Electric cost savings Ideas

August 20, 2025

Normal service calls made M-F 8A-5P . If you are not there when a scheduled call is made, a ‘Dry Run’ Charge of $75 is paid before the next visit is arranged.

Filters: A/C and Dryer

EVERY TIME you use your dryer, CLEAN the lint tray. A lint build-up is a fire hazard as well as damaging equipment that you will be responsible for repairs.

The same applies to the A/C filters. Your Lease Agreement includes your acceptance of preforming this task.

Wow…. Electric bill is high…..Home ideas to help lower the bill.

‘Summertime electric bills in Texas can feel like a second mortgage—but there are smart ways to cool your home without burning through cash. Here’s a mix of quick wins and long-term strategies tailored for residential setups like yours in San Marcos:

🌡️ Thermostat Tactics

• Set it to 78°F when you're home, and bump it up to 85°F when you're away.

🧊 AC Efficiency Boosters

• Clean or replace air filters monthly—dirty filters can increase energy use by up to 15%.
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and AC units to prevent cool air from escaping.
• Shade your outdoor AC unit to improve its efficiency.

🪟 Block the Heat

• Close blinds and curtains during peak sun hours (especially on south and west-facing windows).
• Install reflective window film or thermal curtains to reduce indoor heat gain.

💡 Smart Appliance Use

• Run heat-generating appliances at night (oven, dryer, dishwasher).
• Switch to LED bulbs—they emit less heat and use 75% less energy than incandescent.
• Unplug electronics when not in use to avoid “energy vampires.”

🌀 Fan Power

• Augment air flow : Use fans
• Pair fans with AC so you can raise the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.

🏠 Local Rate Awareness

• San Marcos residential rates increased in October 2024 to $0.03550 per kWh, with a minimum charge of $12.61.
• Keep an eye on your Power Cost Recovery Factor (PCRF)—it fluctuates based on wholesale electricity costs.

📊 Bonus Tip: Monitor Your Usage

• Many utilities offer online dashboards to track daily or hourly consumption. Use them to spot patterns and adjust habits.

Yes, they do! San Marcos Electric offers an online tool called Customer Connect, which lets you monitor and manage your utility usage using data from your meter. Through this dashboard, you can:

• 💡 View your billing and usage history
• 📈 Set usage threshold notifications
• 💳 Pay your bill (one-time or auto-pay)
• 📬 Sign up for electronic billing

https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/191/Online-Payment-Portal

Looking for a great Church? First Baptist on McCarty lane!! All Welcome. Spanish and English worship

https://sanmarcosfbc.org/