Electrical energy prices for a residence in Houston, Texas, can range considerably primarily based on a number of components. These components embrace the dimensions of the residing area, vitality consumption habits of the occupants, the age and effectivity of home equipment, and the particular electrical energy fee plan chosen. For instance, a smaller one-bedroom unit occupied by a single particular person with conservative vitality use will probably have a decrease month-to-month cost in comparison with a bigger multi-bedroom dwelling with a number of occupants and older, much less environment friendly home equipment.
Understanding typical utility expenditures is essential for budgeting and monetary planning. Traditionally, vitality costs have fluctuated attributable to modifications in gas prices, regulatory insurance policies, and seasonal demand. Consciousness of those tendencies permits residents to make knowledgeable selections concerning vitality consumption and choose acceptable electrical energy plans to reduce bills. Environment friendly vitality administration not solely reduces private prices but additionally contributes to a extra sustainable atmosphere by decreasing total vitality demand.
The next sections will delve right into a extra detailed examination of the particular components that affect residential vitality expenditures in Houston, offering a framework for assessing and doubtlessly decreasing month-to-month prices. This can embrace an evaluation of consumption patterns, obtainable fee plans, and energy-saving methods.
1. Residence Dimension
Residence dimension immediately influences electrical energy consumption and, consequently, month-to-month payments. A bigger residing area necessitates elevated vitality utilization for heating, cooling, and lighting, thereby impacting the general price.
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Quantity of House
The cubic footage of an condo determines the quantity of air that have to be heated or cooled to take care of a snug temperature. A bigger condo requires considerably extra vitality to realize and maintain a desired temperature in comparison with a smaller unit. For instance, a 1200 sq ft condo sometimes consumes extra electrical energy for local weather management than a 600 sq ft condo, assuming comparable insulation and exterior situations.
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Lighting Necessities
Bigger residences typically have extra rooms or bigger rooms, growing the demand for synthetic lighting. The variety of lighting fixtures and the kind of bulbs used (e.g., incandescent vs. LED) contribute to the entire electrical energy consumed. A multi-bedroom condo might need a number of lamps and overhead lights operational concurrently, resulting in larger vitality utilization than a studio condo.
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Equipment Utilization
Whereas in a roundabout way tied to the sq. footage, bigger residences usually tend to home extra occupants, doubtlessly resulting in elevated equipment utilization. A number of residents might use home equipment like fridges, televisions, and computer systems extra continuously, elevating total electrical energy demand. Bigger residences may function extra home equipment resembling wine coolers or second fridges, additional contributing to vitality consumption.
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Airflow Effectivity
Even with correctly sized HVAC programs, some layouts may not be optimum and trigger inconsistent airflow and temperature regulation. Bigger residences with lengthy hallways, poorly-ventilated areas, or rooms distant from the AC unit would possibly undergo from inconsistent temperature, thereby needing to extend AC energy, thus growing bills. In some cases, the occupant will purchase further followers to repair this downside that additionally consumes electrical energy.
In abstract, the dimensions of an condo is a main determinant of electrical energy expenditure in Houston. Bigger areas inherently require extra vitality for local weather management and lighting, and are sometimes related to elevated equipment utilization, resulting in larger common electrical payments. Subsequently, contemplating condo dimension is essential when estimating and managing utility prices.
2. Vitality Effectivity
Vitality effectivity performs an important function in figuring out the common electrical invoice for Houston residences. The effectivity of home equipment, insulation, and constructing design immediately impacts the quantity of electrical energy consumed, influencing month-to-month bills.
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Equipment Effectivity
The vitality effectivity of home equipment resembling fridges, air conditioners, and washing machines considerably impacts electrical energy consumption. Vitality Star-certified home equipment, for instance, are designed to make use of much less electrical energy than commonplace fashions, resulting in decrease vitality payments. An outdated fridge might eat considerably extra vitality than a brand new, environment friendly mannequin, including to the general expense.
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Insulation High quality
Correct insulation in partitions, ceilings, and home windows reduces warmth switch, sustaining a constant indoor temperature and reducing the necessity for heating or cooling. Nicely-insulated residences require much less vitality to take care of a snug local weather, decreasing electrical energy payments. Poorly insulated items, conversely, expertise better temperature fluctuations and elevated vitality consumption.
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HVAC System Effectivity
The effectivity of the heating, air flow, and air-con (HVAC) system is a crucial issue. A extra environment friendly system converts extra vitality into heating or cooling, utilizing much less electrical energy within the course of. Elements such because the system’s Seasonal Vitality Effectivity Ratio (SEER) for cooling and Annual Gas Utilization Effectivity (AFUE) for heating point out its effectivity. The next SEER or AFUE ranking interprets to decrease vitality payments.
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Window Effectivity
Home windows are a serious supply of warmth acquire and loss in residences. Vitality-efficient home windows, resembling these with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings or double panes, scale back warmth switch, serving to to take care of a extra steady indoor temperature. Upgrading to energy-efficient home windows can considerably decrease vitality consumption and scale back the common electrical invoice.
The mixed impression of those vitality effectivity components has a considerable impact on the electrical energy bills of Houston residences. By prioritizing energy-efficient home equipment, insulation, HVAC programs, and home windows, residents and constructing homeowners can considerably scale back vitality consumption and decrease the common electrical invoice.
3. Utilization patterns
Residential electrical energy consumption is considerably influenced by occupant conduct. Understanding utilization patterns is crucial for precisely estimating and doubtlessly decreasing the common electrical invoice in Houston residences.
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Time of Day Consumption
Electrical energy utilization varies all through the day. Peak demand sometimes happens in the course of the afternoon and early night when residents return residence and use home equipment resembling air conditioners, televisions, and ovens. Off-peak hours, resembling late night time and early morning, typically exhibit decrease consumption. Shifting energy-intensive actions to off-peak occasions, the place obtainable via particular fee plans, can decrease prices. For instance, working the dishwasher or doing laundry throughout off-peak hours may end up in financial savings.
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Equipment Utilization Frequency
The frequency with which home equipment are used immediately impacts the electrical energy invoice. Operating the air conditioner repeatedly, even when the condo is unoccupied, results in vital vitality waste. Equally, frequent use of high-energy home equipment like hair dryers and area heaters will increase consumption. Minimizing pointless equipment use and choosing energy-efficient alternate options can result in substantial reductions within the month-to-month invoice.
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Temperature Settings
Thermostat settings for heating and cooling have a direct and proportional relationship with vitality consumption. Setting the thermostat to a decrease temperature within the winter and a better temperature in the summertime reduces the workload on the HVAC system. Every diploma adjustment may end up in noticeable financial savings. For instance, setting the thermostat to 78F (26C) in the summertime as a substitute of 72F (22C) can considerably decrease cooling prices.
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Occupancy Schedules
The occupancy schedule of the condo impacts total vitality utilization. An condo occupied primarily throughout evenings and weekends will probably have totally different consumption patterns than one occupied throughout common enterprise hours. Programming sensible thermostats to regulate temperatures primarily based on occupancy schedules can optimize vitality utilization and scale back prices. For instance, setting the thermostat to a better temperature when nobody is residence in the course of the day reduces pointless cooling.
Analyzing and adjusting private electrical energy utilization patterns represents a sensible methodology for managing and doubtlessly reducing residential vitality expenditures in Houston residences. Implementing methods to reduce pointless consumption throughout peak hours, regulate equipment utilization, and optimize thermostat settings, and to take occupancy schedules under consideration, are the simplest methods to realize decrease electrical energy payments.
4. Seasonal modifications
Seasonal modifications exert a considerable affect on residential electrical energy consumption in Houston, Texas, immediately impacting month-to-month utility prices. The area’s local weather experiences vital temperature variations all year long, leading to predictable fluctuations in vitality demand for heating and cooling functions.
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Summer season Cooling Demand
Houston’s sizzling and humid summers necessitate in depth air-con use to take care of snug indoor temperatures. This elevated cooling demand results in a major improve in electrical energy consumption in the course of the months of June, July, and August. As temperatures persistently exceed 90F (32C), air-con programs function extra continuously and for longer durations, leading to larger common electrical payments. As an example, an condo with common cooling wants within the spring would possibly see its electrical energy consumption double or triple throughout peak summer time months.
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Winter Heating Wants
Whereas Houston winters are typically gentle in comparison with northern areas, durations of cooler temperatures nonetheless require heating to take care of snug indoor environments. Throughout these colder spells, residents make the most of electrical heaters or warmth pumps, which eat electrical energy to generate heat. Though winter heating demand is usually decrease than summer time cooling demand, it nonetheless contributes to elevated electrical energy payments in the course of the months of December, January, and February. A sudden chilly snap can result in a noticeable spike in vitality consumption as heating programs work to compensate for the temperature drop.
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Shoulder Season Variations
The transition durations between summer time and winter, also known as “shoulder seasons” (spring and fall), exhibit extra reasonable temperatures. Throughout these durations, reliance on air-con and heating is lowered, resulting in decrease electrical energy consumption and, consequently, lowered utility prices. Nevertheless, even throughout shoulder seasons, fluctuations in temperature can nonetheless impression vitality utilization. A very hot day within the spring would possibly set off using air-con, whereas a chilly entrance within the fall may necessitate using heating.
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Affect of Climate Patterns
Climate patterns, resembling droughts or durations of heavy rainfall, can not directly affect electrical energy consumption. Droughts can result in elevated reliance on air-con attributable to hotter and drier situations. Conversely, durations of heavy rainfall can result in larger humidity ranges, doubtlessly growing the demand for dehumidification, which additionally consumes electrical energy. These weather-related components contribute to the variability in common electrical payments from 12 months to 12 months.
In abstract, seasonal temperature variations are a main driver of electrical energy consumption and utility bills in Houston residences. Understanding the cyclical patterns of vitality demand related to summer time cooling, winter heating, and shoulder season transitions is essential for budgeting and implementing energy-saving methods to mitigate the impression of seasonal modifications on the common electrical invoice.
5. Electrical energy charges
Electrical energy charges are a basic determinant of the common electrical invoice in Houston residences. The worth charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh) immediately influences the entire price of electrical energy consumed. Increased charges translate to elevated month-to-month bills, whereas decrease charges contribute to lowered prices. The construction of electrical energy charges, whether or not fastened, variable, or time-of-use, additional shapes the impression on the general invoice. As an example, an condo consuming 1000 kWh per 30 days will incur considerably larger prices beneath a fee of $0.15/kWh in comparison with a fee of $0.08/kWh, all different components being equal. This distinction highlights the direct correlation between electrical energy charges and the common month-to-month expenditure on utilities.
The aggressive vitality market in Houston gives residents a variety of electrical energy plans, every with various fee constructions and contract phrases. Mounted-rate plans present worth stability, defending customers from market fluctuations in the course of the contract interval. Variable-rate plans, however, are topic to vary primarily based on wholesale vitality costs, doubtlessly resulting in financial savings in periods of low demand however exposing customers to larger prices throughout peak seasons. Time-of-use plans cost totally different charges primarily based on the time of day, incentivizing customers to shift energy-intensive actions to off-peak hours when charges are decrease. Understanding these fee constructions and deciding on a plan that aligns with particular person consumption patterns is essential for managing and doubtlessly minimizing electrical energy prices.
In abstract, electrical energy charges exert a main affect on the common electrical invoice in Houston residences. The chosen fee, whether or not fastened, variable, or time-of-use, coupled with consumption habits, dictates the entire month-to-month expenditure on electrical energy. Consciousness of accessible fee choices and strategic vitality consumption administration are important for successfully controlling and doubtlessly decreasing utility prices. Residents are inspired to check plans and analyze their utilization to make knowledgeable selections that align with their vitality wants and monetary targets.
6. Equipment Age
The age of home equipment inside a Houston condo advanced is a major determinant of the common electrical invoice. Older home equipment typically function with decrease vitality effectivity in comparison with newer fashions, contributing to elevated electrical energy consumption and subsequently larger month-to-month prices.
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Effectivity Degradation
Over time, the effectivity of home equipment tends to degrade attributable to put on and tear. Parts inside fridges, air conditioners, and different electrical gadgets lose their capability to perform optimally, requiring extra vitality to carry out the identical duties. For instance, an getting older fridge’s compressor would possibly work more durable to take care of a constant temperature, leading to larger electrical energy utilization than a more recent, extra environment friendly mannequin. This elevated consumption immediately impacts the common electrical invoice.
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Technological Developments
Newer home equipment incorporate technological developments designed to reduce vitality consumption. Options resembling improved insulation, extra environment friendly motors, and sensible controls contribute to lowered electrical energy utilization. Conversely, older home equipment lack these fashionable enhancements and sometimes depend on outdated, much less environment friendly applied sciences. A comparability between a 10-year-old washer and a present Vitality Star-certified mannequin reveals substantial variations in water and vitality consumption, in the end mirrored within the condo’s common electrical invoice.
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Upkeep Necessities
Older home equipment are extra liable to upkeep points, which may additional exacerbate vitality inefficiency. A malfunctioning air conditioner, for instance, would possibly eat considerably extra electrical energy whereas failing to supply enough cooling. Common upkeep can mitigate a few of these points, however the basic design limitations of older home equipment typically stop them from attaining the identical degree of vitality effectivity as newer fashions. The elevated probability of breakdowns additionally poses extra prices past the elevated electrical invoice.
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Refrigerant Kind
Older home equipment use older, much less environmentally pleasant refrigerants. The newer extra environment friendly refrigerants present elevated efficiencies with decrease electrical consumption. The change from older refrigerants to newer refrigerants can have a profound impression on the bills particularly for a 24/7 at all times working equipment like a fridge. The EPA has banned sure refrigerants attributable to its elevated have an effect on on the atmosphere.
In conclusion, the age of home equipment in a Houston condo is a key issue influencing the common electrical invoice. The mixed results of effectivity degradation, outdated expertise, and elevated upkeep necessities contribute to larger vitality consumption and elevated utility prices. Changing older home equipment with newer, energy-efficient fashions represents a doubtlessly vital technique for decreasing the common electrical invoice and selling vitality conservation.
7. Insulation high quality
Insulation high quality inside a Houston condo immediately impacts vitality consumption and, consequently, the common electrical invoice. Enough insulation minimizes warmth switch between the inside and exterior, decreasing the load on heating and cooling programs.
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Warmth Switch Discount
Efficient insulation acts as a barrier to warmth movement, limiting warmth acquire in the course of the summer time months and warmth loss in the course of the winter. This discount in warmth switch decreases the workload on air-con and heating programs, leading to decrease vitality consumption. For instance, an condo with well-insulated partitions and ceilings would require much less vitality to take care of a snug temperature in comparison with a poorly insulated unit. The diminished want for fixed heating or cooling interprets on to decrease month-to-month electrical energy bills.
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Kinds of Insulation
Varied varieties of insulation supplies provide totally different ranges of thermal resistance. Fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam are generally utilized in condo building. The R-value, a measure of thermal resistance, signifies the effectiveness of the insulation. Increased R-values signify higher insulation properties. Using acceptable insulation varieties and thicknesses primarily based on native local weather situations is essential for minimizing vitality consumption. The absence of enough insulation can result in vital vitality leakage, growing the demand on HVAC programs and driving up the common electrical invoice.
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Air Sealing
Air sealing enhances insulation by stopping air leakage via cracks and gaps within the constructing envelope. Sealing round home windows, doorways, and different openings minimizes drafts and reduces the infiltration of outdoor air. Air leaks can compromise the effectiveness of insulation, permitting warmth to flee within the winter and enter in the summertime. Addressing air leaks together with correct insulation set up optimizes vitality effectivity and contributes to decrease electrical energy payments. A correctly sealed and insulated condo maintains a extra constant temperature, decreasing the necessity for extreme heating or cooling.
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Affect on HVAC Effectivity
The effectivity of the heating, air flow, and air-con (HVAC) system is intently linked to insulation high quality. Efficient insulation reduces the pressure on the HVAC system, permitting it to function extra effectively. When insulation is insufficient, the HVAC system should work more durable to compensate for warmth loss or acquire, consuming extra electrical energy within the course of. Upgrading insulation can enhance HVAC efficiency and lengthen the lifespan of the tools, along with decreasing the common electrical invoice. An environment friendly HVAC system paired with high quality insulation supplies optimum vitality financial savings.
In conclusion, insulation high quality is a crucial think about figuring out the common electrical invoice for Houston residences. By minimizing warmth switch, decreasing air leakage, and bettering HVAC effectivity, correct insulation contributes to decrease vitality consumption and lowered utility prices. Prioritizing insulation upgrades and upkeep may end up in substantial long-term financial savings for each residents and constructing homeowners.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next questions deal with widespread considerations and misconceptions concerning components influencing the common electrical invoice in Houston residences. The knowledge introduced goals to supply readability and knowledgeable insights into managing residential electrical energy prices.
Query 1: What constitutes a “excessive” electrical energy invoice for a Houston condo?
Figuring out whether or not an electrical energy invoice is taken into account “excessive” is subjective and is dependent upon components resembling condo dimension, occupancy, and seasonal differences. Nevertheless, evaluating the invoice to the common consumption for similar-sized items in Houston can present a benchmark. Payments considerably exceeding this common, adjusted for particular person circumstances, might warrant additional investigation into potential vitality inefficiencies.
Query 2: How does condo dimension correlate with electrical energy consumption?
Residence dimension typically displays a direct correlation with electrical energy consumption. Bigger residences require extra vitality for heating, cooling, and lighting, contributing to larger month-to-month payments. The quantity of area, variety of rooms, and potential for elevated equipment utilization in bigger items contribute to this relationship.
Query 3: Can older home equipment considerably impression the common electrical invoice?
Sure, older home equipment can considerably impression electrical energy consumption and, subsequently, the common electrical invoice. Older fashions typically function with decrease vitality effectivity in comparison with newer home equipment, requiring extra electrical energy to carry out the identical duties. Changing outdated home equipment with Vitality Star-certified fashions can result in substantial financial savings.
Query 4: How do seasonal temperature variations have an effect on electrical energy bills?
Seasonal temperature variations exert a substantial affect on electrical energy consumption in Houston. The acute warmth throughout summer time necessitates in depth air-con use, driving up electrical energy demand and month-to-month payments. Winter heating, though sometimes much less pronounced than summer time cooling, additionally contributes to elevated vitality bills.
Query 5: What function do electrical energy charges play in figuring out the common electrical invoice?
Electrical energy charges are a main determinant of the common electrical invoice. The worth charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh) immediately influences the entire price of electrical energy consumed. Houston’s aggressive vitality market gives numerous fee plans, together with fastened, variable, and time-of-use choices, every impacting month-to-month bills otherwise.
Query 6: Does insulation high quality considerably have an effect on electrical energy utilization?
Insulation high quality is a vital think about vitality effectivity. Correct insulation minimizes warmth switch, decreasing the workload on heating and cooling programs. Nicely-insulated residences require much less vitality to take care of a snug temperature, leading to decrease electrical energy payments. Conversely, poorly insulated items expertise better temperature fluctuations and elevated vitality consumption.
Efficient administration of residential electrical energy prices in Houston residences requires a complete understanding of things resembling condo dimension, equipment effectivity, seasonal differences, electrical energy charges, and insulation high quality. By addressing these components proactively, residents could make knowledgeable selections to manage and doubtlessly scale back their common electrical invoice.
The next part will discover sensible methods for decreasing electrical energy consumption and optimizing vitality effectivity in Houston residences.
Tricks to Cut back the Common Electrical Invoice in Houston Flats
Implementing strategic measures can considerably decrease residential electrical energy consumption, leading to substantial financial savings on month-to-month utility bills.
Tip 1: Make use of Vitality-Environment friendly Lighting
Change incandescent mild bulbs with LED alternate options. LEDs eat considerably much less vitality and have an extended lifespan, decreasing each electrical energy utilization and alternative prices. A ten-watt LED bulb supplies the identical illumination as a 60-watt incandescent, leading to appreciable vitality financial savings over time.
Tip 2: Optimize Thermostat Settings
Alter thermostat settings to reduce heating and cooling calls for. In summer time, set the thermostat to 78F (26C) or larger when the condo is occupied and improve the temperature additional when unoccupied. In winter, keep a temperature of 68F (20C) or decrease. Programmable thermostats can automate these changes primarily based on occupancy schedules.
Tip 3: Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Many digital gadgets eat vitality even when turned off, a phenomenon often called “phantom load.” Unplug chargers, televisions, and different electronics when not in use to remove this pointless vitality consumption. Think about using energy strips to simply change off a number of gadgets concurrently.
Tip 4: Make the most of Pure Gentle
Maximize using pure mild each time potential. Open curtains and blinds in the course of the day to scale back reliance on synthetic lighting. Place furnishings to reap the benefits of pure mild sources, making a brighter and extra energy-efficient residing area.
Tip 5: Restrict Equipment Utilization Throughout Peak Hours
Keep away from utilizing high-energy home equipment, resembling washing machines and dishwashers, throughout peak hours (sometimes afternoon and early night). Function these home equipment throughout off-peak hours to scale back pressure on the grid and doubtlessly profit from decrease time-of-use electrical energy charges.
Tip 6: Guarantee Correct Air flow
Be sure that vents aren’t blocked by furnishings or different gadgets. A blocked vent reduces HVAC effectivity, growing load on the system and likewise prices. Routinely cleansing or altering AC filter can also be a great follow.
Tip 7: Examine Home windows And Door Sealing
Guarantee home windows and door gaps are correctly sealed so no extreme warmth or chilly passes in or out of the condo. A draft from a window or door can drastically make your utility improve. Including tape to ensure the gaps are sealed is an efficient follow.
Implementing these methods, even on a small scale, can result in a noticeable discount within the common electrical invoice. Constant utility of those ideas promotes vitality conservation and monetary financial savings.
The next part will provide methods for addressing widespread challenges to vitality effectivity in Houston residences.
Conclusion
Evaluation of the common electrical invoice in Houston residences reveals a posh interaction of things influencing residential vitality expenditures. Residence dimension, vitality effectivity of home equipment, occupant utilization patterns, seasonal modifications, electrical energy charges, equipment age, and insulation high quality all contribute to the entire month-to-month price. Understanding the impression of every variable is essential for efficient vitality administration and value management.
In the end, proactive measures to mitigate vitality waste and optimize consumption stay important. Continued analysis of non-public vitality habits, coupled with knowledgeable selections concerning equipment choice and electrical energy plan choices, empowers residents to handle expenditures successfully. Addressing inefficiencies not solely reduces particular person monetary burdens but additionally promotes broader vitality conservation efforts throughout the Houston neighborhood.
