Though I’ve lived here for over a decade, I’m still amazed at how hot the summers get in Texas. If you try to beat this heat using air conditioning, then high electricity bills are inevitable. Thankfully, summer has transitioned to fall, which means relief is on the way.
We did our best to save money this summer despite the heat. Now we’re going to do the same this fall! Here are numerous ways to save money during the shift from hot weather to cool weather.
How to save money during the fall months
When heating and cooling the home
It’s typically not extremely hot or extremely cold during the fall. This helps us as we try to keep our homes at comfortable temperatures.
- Open the windows during the overnight hours. If you live in a region where it has begun getting cool at night, then don’t utilize your cooling system while you sleep! Open your windows instead. When you wake in the morning, close the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
- Make use of ceiling fans. When you feel warm, see if a ceiling fan will cool you enough that you don’t have to turn on the cooling system. Ceiling fans can help you feel up to 4°F cooler!
- Cover up with a blanket. When you feel cold, cover up with a blanket (or don a sweatshirt) so you don’t have to turn on the heating system.
- Care for your furnace. If you have forced-air central heating, then change your HVAC filters and have the unit serviced at the intervals recommended by its manufacturer.
When purchasing clothes
During the fall, it may be too cool for shorts and tank tops, but too warm for heavy pants and sweaters. However, this doesn’t mean we need to go out and purchase clothes that are specific to fall.
- Layer clothes as needed. Look through your closet to see what items you can layer. When it feels cool, toss a light sweater over a short-sleeved shirt. When it feels warm, remove the sweater. Use this same principle with scarves and jackets.
- Mix and match clothes of various lengths. Pull out any of your shirts with ¾ length sleeves. These provide a little warmth when it is cool, but the sleeves are short enough that they aren’t too hot when it warms up. Capris and cropped pants provide the same benefit. If you already own these types of clothing, then utilize them during the fall months.
- Shop sales and buy used. If you don’t need clothing items immediately, then wait until fall and winter pass so you can get the items on clearance. However, if you do need some clothing immediately, then shop sales or check consignment and thrift stores to see if they have suitable items.
When purchasing food and other items
Most stores offer particular items at lower prices at certain times of the year. Here is an overview of the items that stores typically offer on sale or at low prices during the fall months.
With the help of these approaches, we’re hoping to keep our spending to a minimum this fall. If you need additional ideas, check out my sources: U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. News Money.
What additional tips can you add? How do you save money during the fall months?
