What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Round Rock
Residents of Round Rock, TX can expect their summer energy bills to soar as temperatures climb. With long, hot summers and heavy reliance on air conditioning, electric bills often double or even triple compared to milder months. The average July electric bill in Round Rock is about $225 for a typical single-family home.
Summer energy bills in Round Rock generally peak in July and August when afternoon highs routinely exceed 95°F. June bills tend to be slightly lower, averaging around $175, while September cools off to a still toasty $150 average. In contrast, spring and fall bills often dip below $100 per month.
Of course, actual costs will vary based on home size, insulation, A/C efficiency, and temperature preferences. Larger homes and those that cool below 75°F will likely see even higher bills, potentially reaching $300 or more during the hottest months. Budget-minded households may get by closer to $150/month with judicious A/C use.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Round Rock During the Summer?
The primary driver behind sky-high summer electric bills in Round Rock is near-constant air conditioning. With overnight lows rarely dipping below 75°F and afternoon highs frequently topping 100°F, A/C units have to work overtime to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Older homes with less efficient cooling systems and leaky ductwork tend to have even higher bills as the A/C struggles to keep up. Insufficient attic insulation is another common issue, allowing heat to seep in and undoing the A/C’s efforts. Long daylight hours from May through August further extend the cooling season.
Secondary summer energy loads include pool pumps, landscape and garden irrigation systems, and additional refrigeration for cold drinks. In homes with electric water heaters, increased demand for showers also bumps up costs. A growing number of electric vehicles in Round Rock can also add to summer electric bills, especially if charged during peak hours.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
Wondering where all those summer kilowatt-hours are going? Here’s a typical breakdown for an 1,800 square foot Round Rock home with average A/C use in July:
| Component | Percent of Bill |
|---|---|
| Central A/C | 55% |
| Water Heating | 15% |
| Appliances & Refrigeration | 12% |
| Lighting | 8% |
| Other | 10% |
Based on an 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use and electric appliances.
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Round Rock. This matches the national average for sunbelt states. Upgraded insulation, strategic landscaping, and high-efficiency A/C units can help reduce this load.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is inevitable in Round Rock, there are ways to keep costs in check:
- Sign up for your utility’s off-peak billing plan to access lower rates on nights and weekends
- Install a smart thermostat to optimize your cooling schedule and avoid waste
- Have your ducts professionally sealed to prevent cooled air from escaping into the attic
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block afternoon sun from heating up your home
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when home and use ceiling fans to feel 3-4° cooler. Raise the setting to 82°F at night or when away.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Round Rock
Some utility providers, including Austin Energy, offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing to encourage off-peak energy use. Under these plans, electricity rates are higher during weekday afternoons and early evenings (peak hours) but lower at night, on weekends, and on major holidays.
For example, Austin Energy charges $0.14 per kWh during peak hours in the summer (weekdays 2-7 pm) but only $0.07 per kWh for off-peak and weekend use. Households that can shift laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak hours often save 10% or more compared to standard flat-rate billing.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring in Round Rock?
Summer cooling bills are often double the cost of spring bills in Round Rock. A typical July electric bill of $225 is about 120% higher than an average April bill of $100.
Does solar PV help reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, a appropriately sized solar PV system can offset a significant portion of Round Rock’s high summer electric bills. South and west-facing panels are most productive during late afternoon peak hours. However, solar is a substantial investment with a multi-year payback period.
What’s the most efficient summer thermostat setting in Round Rock?
The US Dept. of Energy recommends setting thermostats to 78°F when home and awake, and 82°F when away or asleep, to balance comfort and savings. Ceiling fans can make 78°F feel more like 74°F.
Smart Cooling Prep for Round Rock Summers
With average summer electric bills ranging from $150 to over $300 per month in Round Rock, it pays to plan ahead. Understanding your utility costs is an important first step. Enrolling in an off-peak pricing plan, optimizing your thermostat settings, improving your insulation, and sealing leaky ducts can each shave 5-10% off your cooling costs.
While summer bills will always be higher than winter in Round Rock, small changes can add up to substantial savings. Being smart about when and how you cool your home will keep you comfortable without breaking the bank.