Top Five Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills
Everybody wants to save money, and we all want to cut down on our energy use. Here are the top five ways to do both.
1. Switch to LED Lights
If you haven’t done this yet, what’s holding you back? Switching to LED lighting can save you money from day one.
LED bulbs were once expensive, but you can find them at very affordable prices now. LED bulbs use about a quarter of the energy than traditional bulbs and CFL bulbs use. LED illumination is some of the best lighting you can buy. They give off sharp, pure light and can even provide color correction.
LEDs have other advantages:
- They’re free of mercury.
- They are almost unbreakable, which makes them ideal for outdoor use.
- You can buy them in many colors and styles.
- They last years without needing replacement.
- They give instant illumination.
LED bulbs will work in your home, your commercial operation, and your industrial plant. Make the switch to save money today.
2. Acclimate Yourself to the Weather
Do you spend your summers in a frigid indoor zone with the air conditioning blasting? Do you crank the heat in the winter? If you do, you may be reducing your body’s natural ability to cope with extreme temperatures.
You can acclimate your body to different temperatures. You don’t have to make yourself miserable, but you can try to adjust to an environment that’s closer to what’s happening outside. Some experts recommend setting your air conditioner just 10 degrees lower than the outside temperature. That will give your body less of a shock when you go out in the heat.
To really save money, adjust your thermostat during the hour’s nobody is home or when you’re asleep. In the winter, set it at 67 during the day and 57 at night. In the summer, crank it up to 77 during the day and 87 when nobody’s home. Doing this can save you more than $100 a year.
3. Get Rid of Phantom Load
Do you leave a lot of small appliances and devices plugged in? What about your microwave, coffeemaker, DVR player, cable box, and alarm clock? If your appliance has a digital display, it’s probably sucking up energy even if it’s turned off.
Phantom load refers to devices that continue to draw current even when they’re turned off. That includes all those small appliances, clocks, remote controls, and more. You may think they’re using a small amount, but it adds up. The US Department of Energy estimates that phantom load makes the average home electric bill 10% higher. It’s time to reduce phantom load.
4. Improve Your Appliances
Old, worn-out appliances don’t just look bad. They’re also inefficient. Replacing your old refrigerator, washing machine or HVAC unit is the perfect opportunity to upgrade to energy-saving devices.
According to the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, the average family has $500 per year per household on utility bills with new appliances. The organization based that estimate on models introduced since 1987. Today’s models are even more energy-efficient.
While you’re replacing your HVAC unit, consider adding a smart thermostat. Controlling your home’s temperature automatically is an excellent way to cut your energy bills. Set it, forget it, and save.
5. Make It a Family Priority
Turn saving energy into a family priority. Invite other family members, roommates, and visitors to come up with their own ideas for cutting your energy bills. Let everyone know you expect them to pitch in.
You can get children involved in saving energy as a fun family activity. The opportunities to teach and share are endless.
Call SESCOS for All Your Electrical Needs
SESCOS can help you install LED lights, hook up new appliances, or conduct an energy audit to see where your house is wasting energy. We want to help you use electricity safely and wisely. Call us today for all your electrical needs.