Holidays: Unexpected company, cooking and cleaning, lighting and decorations all add up where electricity is concerned.

How likely is it that the issue with my bill is related to a faulty meter?
It is very unlikely that the problem that you are experiencing is a problem with your meter. The chance of a five-dial meter failing is less than one percent, and it is more likely to slow down than to speed up. It is very rare for a meter to register more usage than what is actually being used. More often the meter is misread, always check the reading yourself to make sure your bill is correct.

What steps do I take if I think there is a problem with my AC/Heater?
Turn off the unit and contact the office at 972-820-8000. An Austin Ranch maintenance staff member will come inspect the unit, check the coolant, heating coils, thermostat, and compressor. For after hours service, please choose the emergency maintenance option if you’re thermostat is reading 85 degrees and higher during the summer or 60 degrees and lower during the winter.

Is it worthwhile to continually turn on and off lights for brief periods of time when entering/leaving a room or is it better just to leave them on?
With incandescent light bulbs, it is a good idea to turn them off anytime they are not needed. With compact fluorescent bulbs, it is best to only turn off lights if you will not be using them for more than 10 or 15 minutes. Constantly turning on and off compact fluorescent lights will significantly reduce bulb life.

Your meter measures only the electricity used in your home. When appliances and even lights are turned off, the meter will register less power use in the home.

Save money on lighting by:

• Reducing the wattage of incandescent bulbs in frequently used areas
• Replacing incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescents use 20 percent of the electricity of an incandescent bulb and last 10 times longer.

What appliances use the most electricity?
Heating and air conditioning equipment are by far the largest energy users, accounting for over half of the energy used in a typical apartment home. Coming in second, electric water heaters can impact your electric bill by $25 to $50 a month, depending on your usage. Clothes dryers are also major energy users, at 50 to 75 cents a load.

Why is my bill higher than my neighbor's?
There are numerous factors that could account for the difference. For instance, it is unusual for two neighbors to have identical appliances, heating systems, water heating sources, family size and personal habits. You may take longer and more frequent showers; your neighbor may eat out or cook out more often; you may keep your homes at different temperatures. The differences can be endless.

How about my air-conditioning?
You can save considerable energy by turning your AC off (or setting the thermostat higher) when you are not at home. If the compressor on your air conditioning unit runs for 20 minutes each hour to keep your house at 70º, it will run for 8 hours every day.

During the summer months, set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. Austin Ranch recommends a setting of 78-80. You can save 7 to 10% on your cooling costs for each degree above 78.

During the winter months, set your thermostat at the lowest comfortable setting. Austin Ranch recommends a setting of 68-70. You can save 7 to 10% on your heating costs for each degree below 70.

Use ceiling or portable fans to supplement your air-conditioning in occupied rooms. Replace filters quarterly and do not block registers and return vents with furniture or drapes.

How can I save energy and reduce my electric bill?

• Use flat bottom pans that match the size of your stove burners. Clean the oven when it's still warm from cooking.
• Use a microwave oven when it will work just as well as another method.
• Run the dishwasher only when full.
• Don't open the refrigerator or freezer repeatedly.
• Use the washer & dryer only when you have a full load.
• Turn off appliances and lights when you aren't using them.
• Turn off/Unplug all small electrical equipment, such as radios, VCRs or TVs when not in use.
• Turn off the lights when leaving an empty room.
• Close your blinds during the day.
• Turn down your hot water heater.
• If you have a fireplace, close the damper when not in use.

What is the average cost to run my household appliances for a month?

• Room air conditioner, 1 ton, continuous use: $63.76
• Room air conditioner, 2 ton, continuous use: $81.04
• Water heater, 52 gallons, 140º (3 people): $45.60
• Portable heater: $31.80
• Freezer (15 cu. ft.), frostless: $12.00
• Refrigerator/freezer (15-16 cu. ft.), frostless: $18.20
• Washer, 140º hot wash/warm rinses, 20 loads: $11.04
• Clothes dryer, 20 loads: $4.80
• Oven, used 30 hours + self cleaning: $3.44
• Dishwasher, used once a day: $9.60
• Water bed heater, with thermostat: $12.00
• TV, 5 hours a day: $2.88
• Lighting, 8 hours a day, 100 w incandescent bulb: $1.92
• Lighting, 8 hours a day, 40 w fluorescent bulb: 77¢
• Coffee Maker: 70¢
• Microwave, used 20 minutes a day: $1.20
• Toaster, used 48 times a month: 21¢
• Radio, 3 hours a day: 90¢