The United States is one of the world’s leaders in energy consumption. If you learn how to save electricity in your home, you can reduce your carbon footprint, lower your utility bills, and help the environment too.
House Lighting Design Guide
The lights that you use in your home can account for about 25% of your electrical bill. That makes lighting the biggest way to save electricity and money.
• Use compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs. CFLs last 10X longer and use about 75% less energy. Use bulbs that have the Energy Star label to ensure you’re using the best.
• Use LED lamps for holiday lighting rather than traditional incandescent ones. They last longer, use less energy and shine brighter too.
• Using motion sensor lights if you have family members that just can’t seem to remember to turn the lights off. You can burn a lot of money in wasted lighting when lights are left on.
Reduce or Stop Vampire Energy
It’s hard to imagine saving on electricity when we live in a modern world full of gadgets. Computers, tablets, TVs, smartphones, and all those chargers are known as “electricity vampires.” They all use electricity when they are plugged in even if they aren’t on. You can use power strips to plug multiple electronics into, so you only need to unplug the power strip to save electricity.
Maintain Appliances to Use Less Electricity & Improve Energy Efficiency
If you take good care of your appliances they will last longer and use less electricity.
• HVAC system. Change the filter(s) monthly, clean the system out from time to time and keep the motor lubricated.
• Washer. Wash full loads of laundry being careful not to overload the machine. Use cold water when you can and change the hoses every couple of years.
• Dryer. Clean the lint trap after every load and clean the hoses 2-3 times a year.
• Refrigerator. Clean the coils twice a year and fill up empty spaces to maintain the cold longer. Do the same in the freezer.
• Dishwasher. Dishes and utensils don’t really need to go through a heat cycle to dry them. Open the door and let them dry naturally.
When the time comes to purchase new appliances choose those that have the Energy Star label to help cut electricity costs.
Seasonal Electrical Consumption
The times of year when we don’t have to use the AC, or the heat are great because we don’t have to pay for electricity. But for the times of the year that we do need to use them, it’s best to keep the thermostat set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 68 in the winter. Use ceiling fans to help circulate air if it feels a bit uncomfortable before adjusting the thermostat. Make sure your home is sealed properly and inspect your insulation. Keep window coverings closed to keep the temperature lower in the summer and warmer in the winter. When you need to replace windows choose Energy Star models to cut energy costs.
Electrical Services in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
Do you need electrical services in your home? Contact Simon Electric today!
