There are plenty of ways you can save money on your energy bills. You just need to be aware of them and take action.
Fortunately, there are electricians who can help you save on your energy bill by assessing your needs and making recommendations on how to do so. Here are some of the most common tips that they can use to do so.
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1. Identify Energy Vampires
There are many types of devices in your home that use energy when they are plugged in but not in use. These are called energy vampires.
These vampires can be very expensive, costing you hundreds of dollars a year in electricity. They are one of the biggest reasons why many homeowners are unable to cut their energy bills.
Fortunately, there are some ways to identify energy vampires and save money on your electricity bill. This can be done by working with an electrician.
You can also find out if your appliances are drawing too much power by looking at the wattage of their chargers. These wattages are usually displayed on the back of each appliance.
If you suspect that your appliances are using too much power, it may be time to replace them with new ones. These new models are designed to save energy and produce fewer emissions than their older counterparts. They have the ENERGY STAR label, which is an accreditation that means they meet strict energy-efficiency standards and are recognized by the EPA.
2. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
One of the most simple things that you can do to save money on your energy bills is to install energy-efficient lighting. This can help you save a significant amount of money every month, even without changing any other parts of your home!
If you’re not sure which type of lighting is best for your home, an electrician can help you choose the right options. For example, they can recommend LED bulbs or CFLs that use less energy and produce brighter light than traditional incandescent lights.
They can also recommend dimmers that you can use to control the intensity of your lighting. This can help you save energy by only having your lights on when they’re needed and not when you’re not in the room.
Another way that you can make your lighting more energy efficient is to replace inefficient bulbs with new ones. This can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills, as well as help the environment.
3. Upgrade Your Appliances
Appliances can account for up to 20% of your home’s energy use, so any time an old model gives out it’s a good idea to upgrade with more efficient appliances. They’ll save you money on your monthly utility bills and can help the environment as well.
The most effective way to save on your energy bills is to choose Energy Star rated appliances. These appliances are independently certified to reduce your energy costs, and they’re also designed to help protect the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
You can also look for super-efficient models that exceed the minimum Energy Star requirements. They’ll use 10%-50% less energy than standard models.
When upgrading your appliances, you want to be sure they’re made from the same brand and that they match your home’s aesthetic. If they don’t, they may detract from the appeal of your home and make it harder to sell.
4. Insulate Your Home
Insulation is an essential part of keeping your home warm during winter and cool during summer. It inhibits the transfer of heat into or out of your home, lowering your energy bills and making your house a more comfortable place to live.
Using insulation properly helps to reduce air leaks, which can lead to drafty and uncomfortable rooms. It also reduces condensation, which can cause mold and moisture problems.
There are several types of insulation to choose from, depending on your needs. They all have a different R-value, which measures their ability to resist the transfer of heat.
One of the most effective ways to insulate your home is to use foam insulation. Typically, homeowners have reported saving between 15 and 50 percent on their energy bills after foam is installed in their home.