Many homeowners will analyze their utility bills when they look for ways to save money. Water, gas, and of course power bills are always under scrutiny to look for ways to save. When it comes to the electricity, there is always avenues that can help you conserve energy and save some money. We at Burley Electrical Services, Inc would like to point out a handful of ways you can save money on your electricity use.
Upgrading Old Appliances with New
Any appliance older than 10 years of age are using far more energy than modern appliances; including refrigerators, dryers, furnaces, air conditioners, and so on. So much so, that there are many tax breaks from the government, electric company discounts, rebates, and other incentives to get people to upgrade their older appliances. Not only will conserve energy, you will have a return on the savings and enjoy the benefits of better appliances.
Unplug Appliances & Devices when Not in Use
Anything that is plugged in draws energy, even if the device is powered off or not even plugged in on the other end, such as a phone charger. Often referenced as ‘vampire energy loads,’ everything left plugged in with drain energy adding 5% or more of the annual energy costs. If you do not have these devices in a power strip that can be efficiently turned off, be sure to unplug them.
Are Smart Power Strips Worth It?
As mentioned, these power strips combat energy vampires by safeguarding against both vampire energy drain and power surges and overloads. They are easily installed and can be connected to Alexa/Siri/Google home, or smartphone app, these inexpensive and simply installed devices make switching home theatre equipment, gaming systems, and more, convenient.
Install & Use Dimmer Switches
The average home lighting makes up about 12% of the electric bill. Dimmer switches do not just an ambience, but it can mitigate the cost while still providing illumination. Be sure to switch off any lights that are not needed to defray further cost.
Adjust Temperature on Hot Water Heater
Decreasing the temperature on your tank-style water heater to 120-degrees F offers substantial savings as it typically is the 3rd largest energy user in the home. Reducing shower duration, avoid baths, insulating the water heater tank, and turning it off when you leave the home for a weekend or longer can also reduce costs.
Can I Wash All My Clothes in Cold Water?
Attributable to water heating is 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes and washer operations takes about 10%. Any clothes might be grimy, greasy or oily need hot water.
Get a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
By adjusting temperatures when your family is away from the home, a smart and programmable thermostat can really help you save. The HVAC system is the largest energy consumer and every degree adjustment, depending on the season, can reduce 1% of your bill, which adds up quickly.
Dishwasher Heated Dry; On or Off?
Believe it or not, using the dishwasher over hand-washing the dishes, saves you water and energy. You can also save about 15% of the dishwasher’s total energy use simply by using the air-dry cycle over the heated-dry feature.
Electrical Installations, Inspections, Audits & More in Pompano Beach, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland, Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
When you need electrical installation or audits to help you save on your electrical bill in Southern Florida, call Burley Electrical Services, Inc today and let our experts help you with your efforts.
