The Unconventional “Tenting” Method Texans Are Using to Slash Cooling Bills

I don’t know about you, but last month my electricity bill was almost $500, and I know our air conditioning had a lot to do with it. It is way too hot in Central Texas to try to beat the heat by opening a window. The weather is not beneficial for that at all. There are a couple of things we’ve been doing in my household to beat the heat. First, we make sure all the blinds stay closed so the sun doesn’t heat the house. We also try to only go outside when it’s truly necessary.

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What Is Tenting Exactly?

One thing I’ve noticed a lot of Central Texans doing in the area is "tenting." Tenting is when people put up sports canopies or large umbrellas near their outdoor air-conditioning units, something that provides shade without actually sitting on top of the unit. People are saying they’ve noticed a difference not only in how cool their homes stay but also in how much they’re paying on their electric bills.

How Does Tenting Work?

I don’t know if the tenting mechanism itself is what makes the difference. I’m thinking that the less hot the outdoor unit is, the less power it needs to keep the home cool. Now, I could be totally wrong. I’m not an electrician or a scientist, but it just makes sense to me. So, if you feel like your house is hotter than usual or you just want to avoid the scorching heat, try shading it out with tenting!