Keep your energy bills five by five with these 6 tips and tricks
As prices continual to rise you maybe looking for ways to save money. One of the biggest ticket items is likely your electricity bill. Though it may seem like a fixed expense you can do little about, following these six simple practices can help lower your electric bill.
6 Simple energy-saving practices to reduce your electric bill
1. Replace Outdated Equipment
If you have older equipment, upgrading could save you energy. Consider replacing appliances with Energy Star models. If it’s time to replace a desktop computer, a laptop paired with a large monitor and Bluetooth or wired keyboard might be a better option. Laptops, according to the EPA, are 2.5 to 3 times more efficient than desktop computers.
Additionally, many older homes are not designed to carry the electrical load require and need additional circuits installed or an electrical panel upgrade for optimal efficiency and safety. To ensure the electrical current is moving safely throughout your home, schedule an inspection with a professional electrician.
2. Switch to LED Bulbs
Switching to a LED (light emitting diode) lighting system can reduce your energy costs considerably. LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and produce significantly more light. For instance, a 60-watt incandescent bulb produces 800 lumens. To produce that amount of visible light with incandescent lighting, you would need a 60-watt bulb.
LEDs also have the added benefits of attracting fewer insects and pests, and since they run cooler, they also reduce fire risks.
3. Add Motion Sensors, Timers and/or Dimmers to Lights
Installing motion sensors or timers in rooms, doorways, and outside areas can help many homeowners conserve energy. Similarly, dimmer switches provide the flexibility of using less energy for illumination at different times of the day or for different tasks or situations.
You will need to make sure to choose a compatible dimmer for the type of bulb you’re using. Most dimmer switches are compatible with modern halogen light bulbs.
4. Schedule regular HVAC maintenance
Perhaps one of the biggest opportunities to save on your electricity bill is to keep the biggest user of your electricity, your HVAC system, running at peak efficiency. Scheduling regular maintenance will increase its efficiency and save you money, not only on your electricity, but on repair costs.
Routine inspections and servicing, help ensure smaller HVAC problems are detected before they grow into bigger, more costly ones.
5. Add Ceiling Fans to Compliment the A/C
Ceiling fans are a perfect compliment to your air conditioning and should be used in tandem for the most benefit. Keeping the air circulating better will decrease the load on your AC unit as it tries to cool the entire room. If you already have fans, check to see if they have an Energy Star rating, as these can improve your energy efficiency by 40% compared to non-rated models.
6. Power Down
The best energy savings come into play when we’re simply not using it. Turning off shop and office equipment overnight and unplugging seldom-used equipment are some of the simplest and most efficient ways to conserve energy. Even when equipment is powered down, it’s still drawing a small amount of current while it’s plugged in.
To determine where the most improvement can be made in your business, contact your utility or an energy conservation consultant for an energy audit. When it comes to updating lighting and equipment, the experts at Schafer Electric are here to serve you.
Our professional electricians and HVAC techs can ensure that your electrical and HVAC systems are working properly and at peak efficiency. We also specialize in security and safety lighting installation and maintenance for your home and commercial spaces.
If you are in need of any HVAC or electrical services, Click HERE and fill out the form below or ARK electric Heating and Cooling today.
