Getting Your Electrical Usage Under Control
If your electricity bill gets more shocking with every month that goes by, it may be a good idea to start examining your familyandrsquo;s habits and see what can be changed. Particularly in the summer months when energy usage is at its highest, being aware of the little things you can do can make a big difference in the long term.
Just a few of the changes you can make include:
Unplugging Devices When Not In Use
As more and more devices become part of our everyday lives, it is extremely common for things to stay plugged in at all times. However, thanks to what is referred to as phantom energy draws, even devices that are powered off or inactive still draw power when plugged in. As you can imagine, this can add up considerably! Unplugging your various devices when they are not in use can help you to save on your bill.
Powering Off Lights and Fans When Not In Use
If you typically keep your home brightly lit at all times, it will save you money and energy to turn off those light switches when you arenandrsquo;t using them. A more efficient option would be to use lamps only in rooms that are in use. Further, while ceiling fans are certainly a more efficient solution than AC units, it is not generally beneficial to keep them running in empty rooms either.
Upgrading Your Light Bulbs
Traditional incandescent light bulbs simply cannot stand up to LED bulbs. Not only do LED bulbs use as much as 80% less energy, but they can also last up to 25 times longer. Making the switch is a quick and easy way to save money on energy, not to mention enjoying the reliability and clarity that LED bulbs offer.
Making Sure Your Home Is Insulated
A homeandrsquo;s HVAC system is one of its top energy users, meaning that inefficiencies equal big losses. If your home is not properly insulated, you could be making your system work much harder than it should. By fixing insulation problems in doors, windows or even your roof, you can help improve your efficiency considerably.
Making the Most of Your Thermostat
If you have a programmable thermostat that you are not using, it could be a game-changer for you! Simply find a temperature that is comfortable for you and set that as the default while you are home, then set it for a few degrees different – warmer in the summer, cooler in the winter – when you know you wonandrsquo;t be home. You get to be comfortable all the time while saving money!
Utilizing Energy-Efficient Appliances
Older appliances in particular tend to be quite inefficient and may be contributing to a higher electricity bill. If you are able to upgrade your existing appliances to more energy-efficient models, it could be a huge help. Even better, there may be rebates available when you install certain products!
Running Your Appliances at Maximum Capacity
It is hardly a secret that your larger appliances like washing machines and dishwashers use a great deal of energy. Make sure you are getting the most of each cycle by waiting to run these appliances until you have a full load!
If you need any more insight from our skilled team at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar, just contact us today! We are always happy to help.