As a homeowner, you know that energy costs can add up fast, leaving a dent in your wallet. But beyond the financial impact, energy consumption also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. What if we told you there’s a way to significantly reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort or convenience? Conserving energy doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul; many small changes can make a difference. Below, the experts at All Phase Electric Co. share how to lower your energy bill and conserve energy at home.
Turn off the lights.
While this seems like a no-brainer, it’s worth emphasizing. Turning off the lights when you’re not using them is the easiest way to conserve energy. Get everyone in your house on board to create a habit of switching off the lights when they leave a room.
Change your light bulbs to energy-efficient.
Traditional incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy. Upgrading to LED bulbs offers a dramatic improvement in efficiency. LEDs use up to 80% less energy than standard bulbs and last longer. While the upfront cost of LED bulbs is a little higher, the long-term savings on your monthly bill makes them a worthwhile investment.
Put lights on a timer.
We all love a well-lit home, but keeping lights on around the clock can waste significant energy. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: timers! By plugging your lights into a timer, you can ensure they only turn on during the hours you need them. This is especially helpful for:
- Evening and Night Lighting: Porch lights, landscape lights, and even indoor lights in seldom-used rooms can be automated to turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
- Task Lighting: Lights in workshops, laundry rooms, or closets can be set to turn on when the space is in use and automatically turn off when not needed.
- Decorative Lighting: Holiday lights and other decorative features are perfect candidates for timers. Set them to brighten your evenings and switch off during the day or after a designated timeframe.
Check for air leaks and seal them.
Still wondering how to lower your energy bill? Check for air leaks around your home, especially near windows and doors. During extreme temperatures, conditioned air escapes through these leaks, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the indoor temperature. Investing in weather stripping and caulking to seal the leaks can save you money by reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems.
Don’t run your appliances unless they’re full.
When it comes to household chores, your appliances, such as the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, can easily be overworked, especially for small loads like those super dirty or smelly clothes. While it may seem efficient to toss them in for a quick wash and dry, doing so is not cost-effective. Instead, opt to handwash your dirty dishes or wait til the hamper is full to do the laundry.
Identify and unplug energy vampires.
Many electrical devices continue to draw power even when they are powered off. These hidden energy vampires can suck up to 10% of your bill! If you’re still wondering how to conserve energy at home, one of the easiest ways is to unplug electronics when not in use. Here are some common culprits lurking in your home:
- Chargers: Phone chargers and other adapters use a small amount of power even when nothing is plugged in.
- Game consoles: Many gaming systems stay in a low-power state when “off,” draining energy.
- Constantly lit devices: Appliances with standby lights or digital clocks are always drawing a small amount of power.
Consider using power strips that have an on/off switch. This lets you cut power to a whole group of electronics at once.
Get a smart thermostat.
Wifi-enabled thermostats can help you save energy because they allow you to remotely control the temperature in your home and create customized schedules. Smart thermostats learn your routines and adjust settings automatically for optimal comfort and efficiency.
How All Phase Electric Co. Can Help
If you’re experiencing any electrical issues in your home or want to discuss energy-efficient upgrades, contact All Phase Electric Co., your trusted residential electrical services provider. Our team of licensed electricians can help you identify areas for improvement and implement solutions that save you money and make your home more energy-efficient!
