How Much Will Your Texas Utility Bill Make You Want to Two-Step Out of Your House?
Ah, Texas. Land of wide-open spaces, big hair, and...well, let's be honest, sometimes brutally hot summers. And with that scorching sun comes the inevitable question: how much is this heat wave going to cost me? In other words, how much will my Texas utility bill make me want to two-step right out of my own house?
The Shocking Truth (Hopefully Not Literally)
Let's get down to brass tacks, y'all. The average Texan coughs up around $456 a month for utilities. Ouch. That includes electricity, water, trash collection, and maybe even that high-speed internet you use to argue about barbecue on forums (because, let's face it, in Texas, barbecue is a serious business).
But Hold Your Horses (Unless You're on a Mechanical Bull)!
Now, before you start selling your boots to pay the bills, here's the good news: that $456 is just an average. Your actual bill could be higher or lower depending on a bunch of factors, like:
- Your living situation: Are you in a sprawling mansion with a pool that would make J.R. Ewing jealous? Or a cozy little apartment where your biggest energy consumer is probably your mini-fridge full of Lone Star beers? The size of your place will definitely affect your bill.
- Your thermostat tendencies: Do you crank the AC to arctic levels the second the temperature hits 80 degrees? Or are you one of those mythical creatures who can tolerate slightly warmer settings? Your love affair with frosty air will definitely be reflected in your bill.
- Your shower singing skills: Okay, this one might not directly affect your bill, but those long, steamy showers sure do. Just something to consider while you belt out your best Beyoncé impression.
So, How Can You Keep Your Cool (and Your Wallet Full)?
Here are a few tips to keep your utility bill from giving you a heart attack:
- Channel your inner cowboy and embrace the heat: Okay, maybe not completely. But consider bumping up your thermostat a degree or two. Every little bit helps!
- Swap out those incandescent light bulbs: Those suckers are energy guzzlers. Switch to LEDs and watch your bill (and the environment) thank you.
- Take shorter showers: We already mentioned the Beyoncé factor, but seriously, a quick rinse can save you some serious cash.
- Shop around for electricity providers: Texas has a deregulated electricity market, which means you can choose your supplier. Do some research and see if you can find a better rate.
By following these tips, you can hopefully keep your utility bill under control and avoid that two-step out of your house (unless, of course, you just really want to go two-stepping!).
