Hello eco-enthusiasts! You look like you are ready to turn your building into an energy-efficient oasis in the heart of Houston. On this page, we've gathered specific information for your city that you can use to benchmark the energy efficiency of your building against your neighbors. You'll find data on climate, average building sizes, utility costs, top incentives, rebates, and building codes. We've scoured the internet to bring you the most comprehensive list of information you need to get started. Whether you're a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, we have tips and tricks tailored to your city's specific needs to reduce your carbon footprint, save energy, and more importantly, save you money! So grab your reusable coffee mug and let's get started!
Houston has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The city is prone to severe weather, including hurricanes and thunderstorms, which can cause flooding and damage to housing exteriors and equipment. The city experiences significant rainfall, particularly during the summer months.
Summer in Houston typically lasts from June to September, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (around 29-35 degrees Celsius). Humidity levels during the summer can be high, making the heat feel even more brutal. Thunderstorms are common, and Houston is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms.
Winter in Houston lasts from December to February, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (around 7-18 degrees Celsius). While the city can experience occasional cold snaps and freezing temperatures, snow is rare.
Spring and fall in Houston are typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit (around 15-27 degrees Celsius). However, these seasons can also bring severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes.
The daily average humidity is around 75%, although summer highs can reach up to 90%.
High temperatures and humidity make air conditioning a challenge. Not only does your system have to cool the air, but it also has to remove the humidity. The added moisture in the air causes cooling systems to work harder, increasing energy demand, consumption, and cost. This makes energy efficiency improvements more important for your location. While humidity can make the summers feel even hotter, it can also contribute to the risk of mold growth and other moisture-related problems in homes and buildings.
Being by the coast and in a humid subtropical climate brings some challenges for locals. The sea air causes faster deterioration of condensers and other mechanical equipment. While air conditioning uses the most energy in most buildings, it's important to keep these components running smoothly. The salty breeze corrodes metal, causing micro divots and rust on condenser coils, deteriorating the energy efficiency rating faster than a more inland location. Regular maintenance is suggested, such as filter replacement, lubrication, and belt replacements (if necessary). After some aging, you can receive coil coatings to revive the outside equipment before having to replace it, saving you money by increasing your energy efficiency monthly and prolonging the life of your equipment.
Benchmarking your building against relative averages is a great way to start. Determining where you stack up against your neighbors will give you an idea of how much further you can cut costs on your energy bills.
The best windows for the Houston climate are those designed to withstand high humidity, intense heat, and occasional severe weather conditions. Look for windows with Low-E (low emissivity) coatings, which help reflect heat away from your home, keeping it cooler during the hot summer months. Double-pane windows filled with argon or krypton gas provide excellent insulation, reducing the transfer of heat. Vinyl and fiberglass window frames are also highly recommended, as they are durable and resistant to the effects of Houston’s humid subtropical climate.
When it comes to energy efficiency, the most effective windows are those with multiple panes of glass, gas fills, and Low-E coatings. Triple-pane windows offer superior insulation compared to double-pane options. Gas fills, such as argon or krypton, are inserted between the panes to further reduce heat transfer. Windows with Low-E coatings are coated with a thin metallic layer that reflects infrared light, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Additionally, look for windows with high ENERGY STAR ratings, as these have been certified to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Checking out incentives and rebates is a great way to make home improvements more affordable. With rising energy costs, homeowners and businesses should identify the services that would serve them best and take advantage of the corresponding programs. Not only will you save energy, but you'll save money.
Incentive Search Database
Below is a list of the local utility companies for the Houston area. Utility incentives update regularly. Check out each of their websites for the latest rebates for improving energy use and efficiency. CenterPoint Energy is the main electricity utility company in Houston. Texas is a deregulated state regarding utilities, which means residents have the option to choose their rates. The below list includes a handful of retail electric providers (REPs) that offer different pricing plans and services. If you'd like to compare rates, click here.
