Using less electricity in your home is a great way to save money and protect the environment. Less electricity being consumes means fewer toxic fumes being created by power plants and a healthier ecosystem. But many homeowners are concerned that in order to cut back on their electrical use, they will need to alter their lifestyle drastically. Fortunately, that is not the case. You can save a few bucks, help out the environment, and still enjoy all of the creature comforts that you love, and maybe even a few extras.
UPGRADE TO ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES
For an appliance to display the Energy Star logo, it must have passed strict testing to prove that it functions much more energy-efficiently than other models. According to the EPA, in the case of a refrigerator, the unit must operate at least 15% more efficiently than the minimum federal standard. Each appliance that you upgrade to an Energy Star rated model will instantly begin cutting your home’s electricity consumption. You might even decide to treat yourself to a few other upgrades thanks to the money savings you will enjoy each month on your electric bill. And that savings will continue for as long as you use the appliance.
UPGRADE LIGHT BULBS
Almost every incandescent lightbulb can now be replaced with a much more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulb. On average, the new CFL bulbs use only one-fifth of their older counterparts’ electricity, and they last up to five times as long. So you will be saving money each month on your electricity bill and spending less on replacement light bulbs in the future.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY
It can be tough to remember to turn off every light as you leave a room or turn off your outside lights in the morning. Fortunately, there are some very affordable piece of technology that can do that work for you. Motion-activated light sensors will turn on the lights when someone enters a room and then turn them off when they leave the room. And lighting timers are a great way to ensure that your outdoor lights are turned on each night and off at sunrise the next morning. These two affordable tools will help you save energy and money. And they will also extend the life of lightbulbs by reducing their hours of operation.
MORE SMART TECHNOLOGY
You home’s HVAC system is the largest consumer of electricity. So finding ways to heat and cool your home more efficiently is a great way to cut your energy bills. Installing a smart thermostat will do that without causing you to sacrifice any comfort when you are relaxing in your home.
Instead, your programmable thermostat will save you money when you are away from home. The unit will increase the temperature in the summer by just a few degrees to reduce the cooling cost. And in the winter, it will decrease the temperature to reduce the amount of heat being produced by your furnace. But in both the summer and winter, the thermostat will return your home to your desired temperature before you arrive home. These units can also be programmed to save energy when you are on vacation.
UNPLUG DEVICES
Have you ever wondered why your electric meter is always turning? Even if no one is in your home and no appliances are running, electricity seems to be going somewhere. And that is precisely what is happening. Even when appliances like your coffee maker and TV are turned off, they are consuming some electricity. The simple solution to wasting this constant trickle of power is to reach down and unplug the appliances and technology.
INSPECT YOUR INSULATION
If you have not had your insulation inspected in the last few years, then its time. Just like everything in your home, insulation can break down and wear out. And when that happens, both your air conditioner and your furnace must work harder to keep your home comfortable. A small investment in upgraded insulation will save you money and keep the temperature in your home more comfortable and consistent.
Saving electricity around the house is essential when you are living on a budget. And thanks to these tips from the team at Circuit Doctor, you can save energy without changing anything about your lifestyle or your comfort level inside your home. Should you have any questions about these tips or issues with your electrical system, please call us at (703) 463-9866. We have licensed electricians on-call 24/7 to assist you with any electrical emergency. And we offer service and scheduled repair appointments in the evening and on the weekend to eliminate the stress of weekday appointments.
