Winter Energy Saving Tips for Texas Homes
Texas winters are usually defined by short, sharp cold fronts rather than months of continuous freezing weather. When temperatures suddenly fall below freezing, household electricity usage can rise quickly. Electric heat, auxiliary heat, portable heaters and pool freeze-protection systems may all begin running for long periods at the same time.
The best winter strategy combines safe thermostat habits, heating-system maintenance, air sealing and careful use of supplemental heat. These practical steps can help Texas households use electricity more efficiently while staying warm and safe.
What Uses the Most Electricity During Winter in Texas?
For electrically heated homes, space heating may become the largest source of electricity consumption during a cold front. For many Texas homes with swimming pools, the pool pump can also become a major temporary load because freeze protection may keep it running continuously while temperatures remain near or below freezing.
The largest cold-weather increases Southern Federal Power commonly sees may come from:
- Pool pumps running continuously for freeze protection
- Heat pumps using auxiliary electric heat
- Central electric resistance heating
- Portable electric space heaters
- Electric water heaters working against colder incoming water
Not every home uses electricity for heating. A home with a gas furnace still uses electricity for its blower and controls, but the fuel used to create heat is billed by the gas utility.
1. Understand Pool Freeze Protection and Pump Usage
Swimming pools are common across Southern Federal Power’s Texas service areas. During ordinary weather, a pool pump may follow a limited daily schedule. During a freeze, an automatic control system may override that schedule and run the pump continuously to circulate water through exposed plumbing and equipment.
For example, some pool automation systems activate freeze protection when the air sensor falls into the mid-30s. The exact activation temperature and equipment response depend on the controller, sensor, pump and configuration. A pump that normally operates for part of the day may therefore operate for 24 hours or longer during an extended freeze.
That extra runtime can create a noticeable increase in electricity consumption. The effect depends on the pump’s wattage, speed and number of operating hours. An older single-speed pump may use considerably more electricity than a variable-speed pump operating at a properly configured lower speed.
Do not disable freeze protection simply to reduce electricity usage. Frozen pool plumbing and equipment can sustain expensive damage. Follow the pool-equipment manufacturer’s instructions and guidance from a qualified pool professional who understands the specific system.
Pentair explains that automation can activate pool equipment during freezing conditions, while its pump documentation cautions owners not to rely on a pump’s internal thermal mode as the only protection. Freeze protection is generally intended for temporary freezing conditions and may not be sufficient during a power outage or prolonged severe freeze. Review Pentair’s pool freeze-protection guidance before cold weather arrives.
Before a Texas freeze:
- Confirm that the air-temperature sensor and freeze-protection settings work.
- Make sure the pool has the correct water level and adequate circulation.
- Clear leaves and debris from baskets and equipment.
- Know which pump, valves and water features are included in freeze mode.
- Ask a pool professional what to do if power is lost.
- Do not assume that moving water guarantees protection during every freeze.
Important: Pool equipment, freeze-protection settings, and operating requirements vary. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a qualified pool professional. Running the pump or using automatic freeze protection may reduce risk, but it does not guarantee protection from freeze damage, especially during prolonged freezing conditions or a power outage.
2. Use a Safe and Comfortable Thermostat Setting
The greater the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more heating energy a home generally needs. Set the thermostat at the lowest temperature that remains safe and comfortable for the household.
There is no universal setting for every home. Infants, older adults, people with health conditions and pets may require warmer temperatures. Safety should always come before energy savings.
When everyone will be away for several hours, a modest temperature setback may reduce heating use. A programmable or smart thermostat can automate adjustments around work, sleep and travel schedules. ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats must demonstrate energy savings using field data, although actual results vary.
3. Understand Heat Pumps and Auxiliary Heat
An air-source heat pump moves heat into the home rather than creating all of its heat through electric resistance. Some systems use auxiliary resistance heat during colder conditions, defrost cycles or rapid thermostat recovery.
The thermostat may display AUX HEAT when supplemental heat is operating. This can be normal, but extended or unexpected auxiliary-heat use may increase electricity consumption.
Do not select emergency heat simply because the weather is cold. Emergency heat is generally intended for situations when the heat pump cannot operate correctly. Follow the owner’s manual or consult a qualified HVAC professional. Large thermostat setbacks can sometimes activate auxiliary heat while the home recovers.
4. Maintain the Heating System and Airflow
A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make the heating system work harder. Check the filter monthly during heavy winter use and replace or clean it according to the equipment and filter manufacturer’s instructions.
ENERGY STAR recommends checking filters monthly during heavy-use seasons and changing them when dirty. Use the correct size and a filter type compatible with the system.
Keep supply registers and return-air grilles clear of furniture, rugs and curtains. Closing numerous vents does not necessarily save energy and may create airflow problems.
A qualified technician can inspect system controls, electrical connections, airflow, heat exchangers and combustion components. ENERGY STAR provides an HVAC maintenance checklist for homeowners and contractors.
5. Use Portable Space Heaters Sparingly and Safely
Portable electric space heaters can warm a small occupied area, but they draw significant power and may increase electricity usage when operated for long periods. Several heaters running at once can place a substantial load on household circuits.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends:
- Keep heaters at least three feet from bedding, curtains, furniture and other combustible materials.
- Place the heater on a stable, level surface.
- Plug an electric heater directly into a wall outlet.
- Never use an extension cord or power strip.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Turn the heater off when leaving the area or going to sleep.
Read the complete CPSC space-heater safety guidance. Stop using a heater if its cord, plug or wall outlet becomes unusually hot.
6. Never Use an Oven, Grill or Outdoor Device for Heat
Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat the home. Never operate a grill, camping stove, outdoor heater or generator inside a home, garage or enclosed area.
These devices can create fire, burn and carbon-monoxide hazards. Ready.gov winter guidance states that generators and grills should be used only outdoors and away from windows and that a gas stovetop or oven should not be used for home heating.
Homes with fuel-burning equipment should have working carbon-monoxide alarms. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and follow their replacement instructions.
7. Use Window Coverings to Manage Winter Sun
On sunny days, open coverings on windows receiving direct sunlight when it adds useful warmth. Close the coverings after the sunlight moves away and at night to reduce discomfort near cold glass.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends opening shades or curtains during the day to admit useful sunlight and closing them at night to help reduce heat loss. See its winter energy guidance.
Interior window-film kits may reduce drafts around some older windows. Follow the product and window manufacturer’s instructions. Renters should obtain permission before installing materials that could affect paint, trim or lease requirements.
8. Seal Drafts and Check Insulation
Air leaks allow heated indoor air to escape and cold air to enter. Common locations include exterior doors, window frames, plumbing penetrations and attic access points.
Weatherstripping, door sweeps and appropriate caulk can address many accessible gaps. Do not seal required combustion-air openings, dryer vents or other necessary ventilation paths.
Insulation slows heat transfer through ceilings, walls and floors. Ducts running through attics, crawlspaces or garages can also lose heat if they are damaged, disconnected or poorly insulated. Persistent cold rooms, weak airflow or high usage may justify a professional energy assessment.
Removing window trim or applying expanding foam inside wall cavities is not a routine project for every homeowner. Incorrect products can damage window operation. Consider professional help for hidden gaps or larger repairs.
9. Monitor Usage During Texas Cold Fronts
Cold-weather usage can rise rapidly in homes with electric resistance or auxiliary heat. Check daily kilowatt-hour consumption when available and compare it with milder days.
When investigating a higher bill, ask:
- Did the household use more kilowatt-hours?
- Did the billing period contain more days?
- Did the provider’s energy rate or plan change?
- Did approved TDU charges, taxes or other charges change?
- Did a bill credit or other plan feature apply differently?
A higher bill does not necessarily mean the electricity rate increased.
Why Can My Winter Bill Rise on a Fixed-Rate Plan?
A fixed-rate plan generally fixes the provider’s energy rate for the contract term according to the Electricity Facts Label and Terms of Service. It does not guarantee the same total bill each month.
The total can rise when the home consumes more kilowatt-hours. Approved TDU delivery charges, taxes and government-authorized charges can also change. Bill credits or other plan features may apply differently at different usage levels.
Using fewer kilowatt-hours can reduce usage-based charges, including the provider’s per-kWh energy charge and the TDU’s per-kWh delivery charge. It generally does not eliminate a provider base charge or the TDU’s fixed monthly charge.
For help understanding these components, read Texas Electricity Shopping 101 and review the EFL for the specific plan. Southern Federal Power also publishes current TDU charges by utility territory.
10. Prepare for Winter Outages Safely
Before freezing weather arrives:
- Charge phones and backup batteries.
- Identify the local TDU responsible for outages.
- Follow local weather and emergency alerts.
- Plan for household members with medical or mobility needs.
- Protect plumbing according to local guidance.
- Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
- Review generator safety before an emergency.
Generators must remain outdoors and away from windows, doors and vents. Never connect a portable generator directly to household wiring without properly installed transfer equipment.
Southern Federal Power manages the electricity plan, billing and customer account. The local TDU maintains the poles, wires and meter and responds to outages. To identify the applicable delivery utility, read What Areas Does Southern Federal Power Serve?
Quick Winter Energy Saving Checklist
- Use the lowest safe and comfortable thermostat setting.
- Confirm that pool freeze protection is configured and working.
- Expect pool-pump runtime to increase during freezing conditions.
- Program modest temperature adjustments around the household schedule.
- Avoid unnecessary emergency-heat use.
- Check the HVAC filter monthly during heavy use.
- Keep supply and return vents clear.
- Use portable heaters only when attended and plug them directly into wall outlets.
- Keep heaters at least three feet from combustible materials.
- Never heat the home with an oven, grill or outdoor device.
- Open useful sunny windows during the day and close coverings at night.
- Seal accessible drafts without blocking required ventilation.
- Inspect attic insulation and ductwork when safe.
- Monitor kilowatt-hour usage during cold fronts.
Stay Warm, Safe and Informed
Winter energy savings should never come at the expense of health or safety. Start with heating-system maintenance, reasonable thermostat settings and low-cost air-sealing improvements. Monitor electricity usage during cold weather so changes do not remain hidden until the bill arrives.
Southern Federal Power is a licensed Texas Retail Electric Provider. Southern Federal offers electricity plans, manages accounts and handles billing. It does not operate the poles, wires or local delivery system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pool pump run continuously during a Texas freeze?
Many pool automation systems activate freeze protection when the air temperature approaches freezing. The controller may override the normal schedule and keep the filtration pump operating to circulate water through exposed equipment and plumbing.
How much electricity does a pool pump use while freeze protection is active?
Usage depends on the pump’s wattage, speed and operating time. A pump running continuously can use much more electricity than it does on its normal daily schedule. Check the pump specifications and monitoring data for the specific system.
Should I turn off my pool pump to save electricity during a freeze?
Do not disable freeze protection only to reduce usage. Frozen pool equipment and plumbing can be damaged. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions and ask a qualified pool professional how to protect the system, especially during a power outage or prolonged freeze.
Why did my electricity usage increase during a cold front?
Electric heating equipment may operate for many more hours during cold weather. Electric resistance heat, portable heaters and heat-pump auxiliary heat can increase kilowatt-hour consumption quickly.
What does AUX HEAT mean on my thermostat?
AUX HEAT indicates that supplemental heat is operating with the heat pump. This may occur during colder weather, defrost cycles or rapid recovery. Extended unexpected operation may warrant professional evaluation.
Can I plug a space heater into a power strip?
No. The CPSC advises plugging an electric space heater directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Is it safe to leave a space heater running overnight?
The CPSC advises turning portable heaters off when sleeping. Keep heaters at least three feet from combustible materials and never leave them unattended.
Why is my winter bill higher if my energy rate is fixed?
A fixed energy rate does not fix the total bill. Higher consumption, approved TDU-charge changes, taxes and plan features can change the monthly total.
By implementing some of the tips above, you will make a difference with your energy consumption during the heat of the summer months. The more tips you add the greater your energy savings will be. Choosing an appropriate electricity plan also helps to meet your energy goals. If you have any questions about your plan or would like to speak to someone about your energy goals, please feel free to call us during our business hours (1.844.644.0474). Our agents are in-house and use our energy plans, ask them what plans they are on and why. We are here to help you find the right electricity plan.
