How To Conserve Electricity And Save On Electric Bills

 Cutting-edge technology has given us every luxury and comfort in the form of electrical items. We all use electricity to power multiple electrical appliances, lights, devices, and electronics. People use electricity to run the heater, HVAC systems, dishwashers, and washing machines. As you utilize more electricity in your homes, you have to pay massive money on bills. Also, you see a hike in utility rates every year. 

In such scenarios, everyone looks for ways to reduce electricity bills. Luckily, it is possible. Electricity consumers always want to know about some ideal ways to cut down on huge bills. You can achieve this milestone if you are ready to contribute something from your side. You have to make little behavioral changes in yourself and some extensive improvements in your home.

In that way, you will not only save money on bills but also protect the environment. So follow these innovative tips to reduce electricity bills while using electrical items. 

Upgrade yourself

It is the first step in this initiative. Without making changes in yourself, it is impossible. You have to make a little behavioral change by upgrading yourself. Wait, I am not talking about getting a new model of your electrical items. Conserve energy by turning off all unused lights, devices, appliances, etc. You can also reduce the usage of appliances that need high power to run. You have to be a DIY hero here. Avoid using dishwashers; instead, wash dishes by hand. Avoid dryers and hang clothes in the sun. In short, do whatever you can by yourself and also take advantage of nature.  

Upgrade light bulbs

You know, old incandescent light bulbs utilize vast amounts of electricity. So you must replace all such light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives. There are some such options like CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), LEDs ( light-emitting diode bulbs), and halogen incandescent bulbs that reduce electricity consumption by 25-80 percent and also last longer (3 to 25 times) than traditional bulbs.

Even though these light bulbs are expensive compared to traditional ones, they last longer while reducing power consumption, and in that way, they return you the value of every single cent. 

Avoid traditional power strips

Do you know that electrical items consume electricity when they are turned off but still plugged into an outlet? This situation is known as “phantom load.” Phantom load is a common situation with many households, which is a significant cause behind power wastage. Also, it is assessed that about 75% of the power used by household electronics is utilized while they are turned off, and in that way, you have to pay up to $200 a year. 

So we recommend smart power strips that are specially designed to cater to phantom loads. These strips shut off the electronics when you are not using them. 

Consider a smart thermostat

If you have smart thermostats, you get various options to program them. You can set them to turn off or reduce heating and cooling during bedtime automatically. In that way, you can reduce energy consumption while enjoying the HVAC system without getting a new one. With a smart thermostat, you can save about $180 every year. They are available in different models and with lots of extra features. 

Go for energy-efficient appliances

Whenever you plan to add a new appliance to your home, consider energy-efficient items because your household appliances consume roughly 13% of total household energy consumption. You have to think about two things when you are at the store to make your new purchase: what will be the buying price and yearly operating cost. While you have to pay higher prices for energy-efficient appliances, their operating expenses are reduced by 9 to 25% than traditional models. 

Here is a pro tip for you. While buying energy star appliances, consider items with an ENERGY STAR label. Such electrical items are always beneficial in reducing energy bills.

Minimize water heating costs

You know water heating causes significant wastage of electricity. Without upgrading your water heaters, you can reduce your energy consumption in different ways. Avoid heating water too much, use less hot water, or insulate the water heater. Ultimately, you can consider energy-efficient alternatives.

Go for energy-efficient windows

Do you know your house’s windows are responsible for around 10 to 25% of the total expenses on heating bills? You can prevent heat loss by replacing single-pane windows with double-pane alternatives. 

Think about your old HVAC system

Your house’s HVAC system is alone responsible for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Only heating consumes around 40% of total energy. It varies from region to region. For example, Northern regions remain much colder throughout the year. So energy-efficient gas furnaces are a great option. 

Air conditioning is not much responsible for increasing energy bills as it uses only 6 percent of total energy consumption. If you purchase ENERGY STAR models, they are around 8% more efficient than old models. You have to simultaneously upgrade your furnace and air conditioner as air conditioning is generally incorporated with heating systems. You can also upgrade your ventilation system as they can reduce energy consumption.  

Conduct an energy audit  

Only upgrading appliances and considering energy-efficient options is not enough to conserve electricity. You have to think a little differently. Here is something that also can be considered. I am talking about a professional energy audit of your home. It will give you more ideas about energy conservation. 

Energy auditors have thermal cameras and other special tools that will highlight energy wastage sources like leaking air, insufficient insulation, etc. and recommend helpful ways to improve them. An energy audit is not a costly chore. You can contact us for an effective energy audit. 

Consider smart meters

Electricity distribution companies are moving toward smart meters. Smart meters help distribution companies in utility readings and also reduce consumer’s energy bills. These excellent meters create energy consumption reports according to your overall use and show you the data about household electronics’ energy consumption. 

By considering these ways, you can easily conserve electricity while saving money on bills. Contact us for professional help. 

Source: How To Conserve Electricity And Save On Electric Bills