It's spring in Texas and temperatures are rising. You can stay cool without receiving high electric bills. By preparing your home and being mindful of usage, you have control over your electric bills. Follow these 5 energy tips and tricks below:

1. Plant some trees and shrubs around your home to provide shade

Trees with high, spreading crowns placed on the south side of your home will shade the roof. If you want instant relief from the sun, plant shrubs and groundcover around the pavement of your home. The air will be cooled before it reaches your windows and walls. Vines are also an excellent source of shade for walls.

2. Take your kitchen outdoors instead

You can definitely feel the heat when there is a cooking storm happening in your kitchen during the warmer days. Take advantage of the grill instead, or any outdoor appliances to prepare meals where your home does not have to level out the temperatures to keep yourself cool.

3. Wash clothes in cold water

Washing in cold water is suitable to handle almost every laundry load type and clean your clothes without overusing energy. Minimize using hot water, as approximately 90% of the energy used in a washer goes towards water heating. The only few occasions when hot water may be necessary is when you are dealing with oily stains, though for the most part, colder water will get the job done.

4. Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs 

Lowering your energy consumption can be as easy as changing a light bulb. The initial cost is more, but LEDs use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.

5. Prepare your air conditioning unit for the warmer months by scheduling a tune-up

This time of year is the most ideal for getting your AC unit ready before the scorching rise in temperatures that occur during Texas summers. Maintaining your heating and cooling system will prevent future problems and keep your unit running efficiently. This way, your system will not have to work so hard to keep your home cool, saving you money during the warmer months.

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric service territory customers may be eligible for a free tune-up here.