As Houston heats up, here’s how to control summer energy costs

Note: This is the second in our series of posts sponsored by Reliant. They’re covering our site for the entire 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, and in return we’re writing a handful of posts that highlight their services to readers. Today’s post concerns air conditioning efficiency and other tips to keep you (somewhat) cool this summer.

Houston has had an easy slide into summer this year, as we haven’t yet reached the upper 90s. But we all know what’s coming later in July and August, and the time to make sure your home and AC are prepared for deep summer heat is now. (Last year’s first 100-degree day came on July 23). The last thing you want is your AC to go out on the hottest day of the year.

(Reliant)

Tip #1: Be efficient

Take control of your costs by following the four-by-four principle for your AC. Set your thermostat four degrees higher when you’re away from home for more than four hours to help reduce electricity usage and costs. When your thermostat is set below 78 degrees, each degree cooler can increase your costs by up to seven percent.

Switch your ceiling fan to turn counter-clockwise during the summer months to create a wind chill effect when coupled with cool air from your AC, for a more comfortable living environment. However, remember to turn off fans when you leave the room. Fans are for people—not for rooms.

Resist the urge to override your automatic AC fan settings. Set your AC fan to the “auto” rather than “on” position. The “on” setting can increase energy costs and cause heat from the attic to transfer into your living space through the ductwork, making the AC work harder to maintain your desired temperature.

Use a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the temperature to fit your schedule and conserve energy, not to mention help prevent mold that thrives in hotter, humid temperatures.

Tip #2: Change your air filters

Replacing filters regularly helps your system operate more efficiently and can prolong the life of your AC equipment. Reliant even delivers AC filters right to your door with Reliant Filters Made Easy, one less item for your checklist. Also, while changing your filters, be sure and check that you’re not obstructing the return air vents with furniture, or other items.

Tip #3: Properly insulate your home

A house without enough insulation can lose up to 40 percent of cooled air, and more than 80 percent of homes built prior to 1980 do not have enough insulation. This is the most cost-effective home improvement that can be made, as conventional insulation is relatively inexpensive.

Tip #4: Get Your HVAC Checked Out

Reliant’s home services, which are available to everyone, not just Reliant customers, to help keep you comfortable. They service air conditioning, heating (admittedly, probably not a priority right now), plumbing, electrical and more. During an AC checkup a licensed HVAC professional checks multiple points in your system, and inspects all components and parts and find out if you’re getting enough cool air to rooms.

Rain chances return to Houston for the next few days

It’s been a hot start to the month of July, with most parts of Houston seeing no rainfall. As high pressure shifts away from the area just a bit, that pattern will change over the next few days, with the return of at least some modest rain chances.

Today

A few scattered showers along the coast this morning will translate into some inland showers this afternoon along the sea breeze. For the most part, I don’t expect significant accumulations. Highs in the low- to mid-90s.

Friday

Atmospheric moisture levels appear likely to rise a bit, and this should lead to more widespread showers and thunderstorms. Don’t expect a lot of rain. While isolated thunderstorms could produce an inch of rain or so, for the most part we are talking about one or two tenths of an inch of rain. Partly cloudy skies should limit high temperatures into the low 90s.

The GFS model forecasts a good slug of moisture over Houston on Friday afternoon and evening. (Weather Bell)

Saturday through Tuesday

The mid- and upper-level winds in the atmosphere should become slightly less favorable for precipitation during this period, and therefore rain coverage will likely be only 10 to 30 percent most days, with light accumulations. For the most part days will be mostly sunny, with highs in the low- to mid-90s.

Wednesday and beyond

As we get into mid-July, some of the mid-range models suggest that high pressure will strengthen its hold on our weather. This means even hotter conditions—as we might expect during July and August—with highs in the mid- to possibly even upper-90s and mostly sunny skies. I hope that doesn’t come to pass, but it sure seems the most likely outcome at this point.

Posted at 7:30am CT on Thursday by Eric

The reality of summer sets in for Houston

Seven of the last 10 days of June had high temperatures of 90 degrees or below—perhaps offering a false hope that summer doesn’t get so hot in Houston. Alas, July has disabused us of this notion, with highs of 94, 94, 95, and finally 96 degrees on July 4th. This is summer as we know it in Houston, and not a whole lot will change over the next week aside from some increasing rain chances.

Wednesday and Thursday

The region will see some slight rain chances today and Thursday as the boundaries between air masses collide overhead. But while moisture levels in the atmosphere are creeping back up, they’re not particularly high for this time of year so don’t expect any kind of a washout. I suspect that some areas may see a quick tenth of an inch of rain, or two, but a lot of the area won’t see any rainfall at all during the next two days. Look for highs in the mid-90s, with overnight lows in the upper-70s.

Don’t expect too much rain this week, as is borne out in this accumulation forecast. (NOAA)

See full post

Summer set to sink in

Eric’s post from yesterday covered most of what’s about to unfold over Houston for the next week or so (and, really, the next couple months for that matter). Summer is here for real. So just some details here.

Friday Through Tuesday

No big changes to speak of here. We should see a few showers in the area today, but almost certainly nothing like we’ve seen the last several days.

Forecast radar today shows a scattered bit of mostly minor showers through the day. (Weather Bell)

 

It should be more like a smattering of small afternoon downpours in spots than the numerous scattered thunderstorms like we’ve been dealing with. The rain chance drops off a cliff Saturday though. Basically, Saturday through Tuesday look to be about the same: Partly to mostly sunny, hot, humid. I wouldn’t completely rule out a downpour on any of those days (particularly Monday or Tuesday), but the chances are so small, it really isn’t even worth discussing right now.

The rinse and repeat pattern Eric mentioned yesterday also applies for forecast temperatures. Houston should top off around 93-95° each afternoon, with morning lows generally in the mid to upper 70s. If you’re heading to Galveston, a similar story of consistency, with roughly 89-91° each day and lows a bit warmer thanks to the warm Gulf, coming in around 80° each morning.

Beyond Wednesday

Agree with Eric yesterday: Not much change is in store. The pattern looks pretty stable over Texas at least. Expect pretty persistent temperatures. Rain chances may go from like 10% early next week to 20% each afternoon later next week, but I don’t see things getting much worse than that even out toward next weekend at this point. We’re in a quiet period now.

The tropics look quiet in the Gulf and Caribbean as well.

The tropics are quiet in our backyard for the foreseeable future, as the Gulf and Caribbean are void of much moisture and disturbances. (NOAA)

No real signs of anything worth discussing over the next 7-10 days or longer. The eastern Atlantic has seen some aggressive tropical waves early this season, but at this point it’s still a bit early for anything to get moving. If we continue to see these sorts of waves in a month, it will be something to monitor. But for now, breathe easy and enjoy a hot (but quiet) Fourth of July weekend!

Posted at 6:30 AM by Matt