Texas is famous for being, well, big. And it’s not just the iconic Longhorn cattle that bequeath it the reputation.
Texas is America’s second-largest state ,by area after Alaska, covering 268,597 square miles. If the Lone Star State were independent, it would be the world’s 40th largest country.
The wide open spaces of Texas are reflected in its homes. The average Texas home is 2,170 square feet compared to the U.S. average of 2,014 square feet.
Texas is also famous for its power generation and consumption. A significant part of Texas power usage keeps these large homes running. Let’s look at how to power a big house in Texas and what you can do to lower your electricity bills.
Texas Power Usage and Generation
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Texas energy production is almost a quarter of the U.S. total.
Energy sources include crude oil, natural gas, wind, and solar power. Indeed, wind power now produces more megawatts of electricity than Texas’ nuclear or coal power plants. And while Texas’ electricity generation is more than any other state, so is its energy consumption.
No other state has such a high overall energy use as Texas. Drilling down, Texans enjoy lower electricity prices than the rest of the United States, thanks in part to energy deregulation. But many people have higher energy bills because of this extra usage. This is particularly pertinent for owners of large homes.
In 2021, on average, residential properties in Texas used 1,094 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity every month, costing $132.40. That’s almost a quarter more average energy use than national levels; larger homes have even more significant power demands.
Why Is Texas Power Usage So High?
We’ve seen that Texans have high power demands but enjoy cheaper-than-average electricity prices. During the state’s sizzling summers (when hosting BBQs is a favorite pastime), residents love to keep the air conditioners running, swimming pools clean, and gardens beautiful. However, that means many people end up with significant electricity bills.
Another clue to the Lone Star State’s high energy usage is in its wide-open spaces. This hefty acreage allows people to build large homes. The average Texas house measures 2,170 square feet, placing the state’s homes 11th on the list of America’s average house sizes.
Large homes require a lot of power. On average, across the U.S., space heating (43%), water heating (19%), air conditioning (8%), and lighting (5%) are among the top energy suckers.
However, Texas’ warm climate changes those figures. Space heating accounts for 22% of energy usage, while air conditioning jumps to 18%. Folks with bigger homes may spend a greater proportion on space heating and cooling because of the house’s size.
Is It Expensive to Buy a Large Home in Texas?
Wide open spaces have led to the creation of affluent neighborhoods across Texas. One study looked at towns and cities with more than 5,000 residents. It took into account income, poverty rates, and unemployment rates. Southlake rose to the top, followed by Bellaire in Houston, then Alamo Heights.
In real estate terms, Rollingwood has the most valuable homes, with a typical home value registering at more than $2.5 million. Here are the top five average home prices in various Texas locations in January 2023:
- Rollingwood: +$2.5m
- Highland Park: $2.3m
- West Lake Hills: $2.15m
- West Overhills: $1.99m
- University Park (Dallas): $1.88m
According to Property Club, the wealthiest cities in Texas, with the most affluent first, are:
- Highland Park
- Hunters Creek Village
- West University Place
- University Park
- Alamo Heights
- Southlake
- Terrell Hills
- Fair Oaks Ranch
- Trophy Club
- The Woodlands
There is plenty of prime real estate in Texas. And those big houses all require power. So, whether you’re currently sitting in a large property or are thinking of upgrading, considering your energy bill is vital.
Do Bigger Homes Use More Electricity in Texas?
Generally, bigger homes need more power to run space heating, lighting, water heating, appliances, and devices. Naturally, it follows that electricity usage is higher in bigger homes.
Owners of smaller homes and apartments often benefit from the extra insulation of their buildings being attached to their neighbors’ properties. Bigger homes tend to be detached, removing that benefit. EIA figures suggest the average single-family detached home consumes around three times the amount of energy of a building of five or more apartments.
Homes are as individual as the owners, and many other factors affect a home’s energy usage. Climate and geographical location, the property’s age and condition, the number of people living in the house, and its overall energy efficiency all impact bills.
How Much Energy Does a Large Home Use?
The average house type’s annual electricity consumption for the southern region, which includes Texas, is as follows:
- Apartment with five or more units: 8,652 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
- Apartment with two to four units: 8,919 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
- Single-family attached home: 11,063 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
- Single-family detached home: 15,819 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
Remember that the average home in Texas uses 13,128 kWh of electricity annually and is 2,170 square feet in size. In 2021, that would mean an annual electricity bill of $1,589.80.
Properties with extensive gardens require maintenance and lighting for decks, swimming pools, and more. Estates with multiple buildings like garages, sheds, and studios may all run many appliances, alarms, and floodlights, all of which contribute to the electricity bill.
Typically, it’s easy to see how a larger home in Texas can expect even higher energy bills than the average property. Luckily, a big home doesn’t have to mean exorbitant electricity bills.
How Can I Reduce My Large Home’s Electricity Bill?
There are several ways to reduce a big home’s energy usage.
First of all, it’s worth noting that the average American household size is just 2.5 people. That’s a great starting point when it comes to Texas power usage in bigger homes. If there are just a few people living in your big home, you only need to heat or cool specific rooms only when you’re there. Don’t heat or cool the entire house. Make sure your home is well insulated to keep the warm air in (and the cold air out) in the winter and the cool air inside (and the warm air out) during the summer.
Check your thermostat: the recommended indoor temperature during warm spells is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold snaps have recommended settings of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. A programmable thermostat allows you to heat or cool the home when required.
Other ways to save include keeping HVAC systems and filters clean and in good working order. Check your appliances: if they’re more than 10 years old, consider replacing them with Energy Star-certified device. You can save money when you understand the basics of energy efficiency at home.
Remember to turn off the lights when leaving a room, and ideally, switch from incandescent bulbs to LED light bulbs. Be sure to weatherstrip and caulk windows and doors, and wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket.
The deregulated energy market of Texas offers another simple way to reduce a large home’s energy bill; you can switch suppliers. People living in big houses could save hundreds (or maybe even thousands) of dollars a year by spending a few minutes finding an electric deal that suits them.
What’s the Best Electricity Deal in Texas for a Large Home?
Owners of large homes can save money on their electricity bills by switching suppliers. Most people live within Texas’ deregulated energy market area and can choose their electric company. Check your recent bills to understand your energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Also, think about when you use electricity the most. Do you charge an electric vehicle overnight? Perhaps you work from home and have the air conditioning running all day? Maybe you’re a weekend entertainer with guests staying over, using the HVAC, hot water, and amenities. When you understand how and when you use the most energy, you can figure out what type of energy plan is best for you.
What to Remember When Switching Electricity Suppliers
Homes that use significant amounts of electricity may be best advised to look for a fixed-rate energy deal. Fixed-rate products maintain the same kWh price throughout the contract. That way, householders know how much each unit of electricity will cost.
Electric companies reward heavy energy users with lower kWh prices if they meet an agreed minimum usage monthly. These are usually appropriate for people who know they use at least 2,000 kWh monthly. This amount is often well within the energy usage range of many large residential buildings.
Finally, a time-of-use (TOU) plan offer could mean free electricity on weeknights or weekends. These may suit your lifestyle better than other offers. Free weekend electricity could be perfect for hosts who often invite people to stay.
A little research can unearth a fantastic deal. Our guide to finding an electricity deal will help. We also recommend checking the Power to Choose website to compare electric companies. It’s an unbiased site maintained by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).
Finally, always read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) of each energy plan, which details the terms and conditions. Never sign a contract with a Texas energy supplier that doesn’t have an easily accessible EFL.
Should I Install a Renewable Energy System in My Home?
Texas is a veritable renewable energy powerhouse with abundant wind and solar farms. These clean energy resources are already contributing thousands of megawatt hours of electricity to the Texas power grid.
Owners of bigger homes can supplement the power they draw from the electric grid by installing solar panels or a wind turbine. The extensive rooftops of big homes are perfect for solar panels. Always talk to professional and qualified renewable energy system fitters about your home’s needs. You can also check out our guide to find out how much solar panels actually produce for your home.
Moreover, you may be able to export any excess energy your system produces back into local transmission lines. Some electric companies offer energy deals that give homeowners bill credits or discounts for pushing electricity back into the grid. Alternatively, install batteries and export excess electricity to store there for later use.
Of course, using your own solar or wind power means you’ll create fewer greenhouse gas emissions. There’s no need to use electricity from fossil fuel power plants if you generate your own.
Will Climate Change Affect Owners of Large Homes?
Global warming is already bringing more extreme weather events to the Lone Star State. Storms and heat waves are already putting the power grid under stress. Texas power usage increases when the thermometer rises as people reach for the air conditioning.
The primary grid operator in Texas is ERCOT or the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Part of its job is to reduce power outages and blackouts. But sometimes Mother Nature cannot be overcome. The state’s winter storm of February 2021 saw ERCOT lose control of the grid, cutting power for millions for days and bringing death and destruction.
Owners of larger homes can install renewable energy systems to help as backups or consider installing a home generator to cover emergencies.
The good news for Texas is that investment in solar and wind technology may help to keep the state’s electricity prices low as the U.S. transitions to a net-zero economy.
Texas Power Usage: Getting a Large Home’s Electricity Under Control
The cost of living has been a trending topic for a while now and people with large homes may have noticed a dramatic uptick in their electric bills.
Texas power usage is usually heavy, especially during heat waves and other extreme weather events. Moreover, bigger properties usually mean more power usage.
Living in an exclusive neighborhood or consuming lots of power doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for a better deal in Texas’ deregulated energy market. A few energy-saving measures and switching to a supplier that fits your lifestyle are like sealing a prudent business deal. It’ll be good for your pocket, good for your supplier, and, if you opt for a renewable energy source or install solar panels, good for the planet.
Brought to you by amigoenergy
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