You may pay your electric bill every month without realizing how much control you have over it. If you aren’t aware of what you’re doing and the appliances you use, the amount can quickly get out of hand. Fortunately, you can implement some simple steps today to help you save energy, lower your bills and decrease your carbon footprint.
Whether you want to save some cash on your budget or contribute towards a greener tomorrow, there are many ways to reduce your home electric bill. Learn more about how you can reduce your electric bill at home.
The first step in reducing your home’s electricity bill is understanding your current usage. The best way to do this is to sit down and thoroughly examine your monthly electric bill. It contains details like total kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed and the cost per kWh. Compare your most recent bill with the last few months to get an average number of what you use.
Note any increase kWh usage spikes and why they are there. For example, you may use more during winter due to indoor heating. Or perhaps in summer, you turn on the air conditioner.
Next, learn about the appliances you currently have in your home. Most appliances have a sticker on the back, known as the energy guide, indicating the usage. Otherwise, see if you can find that information online. Typically, the biggest energy consumers in a home are:
Another idea is to get an energy monitor. They provide real-time information about your usage and can be plugged into individual appliances to determine the actual energy use. You can get immediate feedback and create a list from the highest usage appliances to the lowest.
Find out if your electricity supplier charges different fees during different peak times. If they charge lower fees at certain times, it might be useful to do energy-consuming jobs, such as running the dishwasher or dryer, during these off-peak times.
Once you have a benchmark of your electricity usage, you can take the necessary steps to reduce it. You can start with small things, like turning off your water heater when you will be away from home for a while and making sure the lights are off when you are not in the room. You can also take a few bigger steps to make a more significant difference. Here are some of the larger items you can slowly tick off to reduce your home electricity bill:
Consider slowly changing all your larger appliances to energy-efficient ones. The first place to start is to ensure that your appliances are all Energy Star Rated. To earn an Energy Star rating, an appliance must meet strict energy-efficiency criteria from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. Manufacturers must reach the standards and show the appliances use less energy than traditional models to earn accreditation.
Look at modernizing your appliances as another way to reduce your energy costs. You will find that the latest appliances are often equipped with technology that offers superior performance and additional features. Compared to 20-30 years ago, modern refrigerators have improved their insulation and compressors extensively. These technology changes make them more efficient without compromising on cooling.
Besides the Energy Star rating, appliances also come with an energy guide label, which provides estimates of the appliance’s energy consumption and operating cost. You can use this information to compare different models to make a better decision.
Another technology that has changed drastically over the years is lights. Gone are the days of traditional incandescent bulbs, which used a lot of energy very inefficiently and burned out quickly. Today, everyone is switching to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. Here are some other tips to reduce your light electricity:
Heating systems are another area that takes a lot of energy. Consider what heating systems you use and how you use them.
Homes can be heated in several ways. One common way is a furnace, which blows heated air through ducts. A furnace and blower system can work on electricity, natural gas or other fuel. Another option is a boiler. Boilers work by boiling water that runs through pipes and steam radiators. Most boilers use electricity, but there are natural gas versions.
For areas with moderate climates, heat pumps may be the most efficient choice. Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a warm area to a cooler one and vice versa. It is a cycle of evaporation and condensation, using indoor and outdoor air to create the effect. They can condition a room at a fraction of the cost by reducing your electricity use by 65% compared to electric resistance heating options, like furnaces.
As a family-owned business since 2003, we understand the importance of reducing your energy usage to save on your monthly budget or help ensure a greener future for the next generation. Our team has extensive experience installing and maintaining heat pumps in Florida and the surrounding areas. These durable systems are perfect for the weather we have locally.
We also offer electrical, plumbing and security services to keep your home in the best shape possible. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment or learn more about our cost-friendly heating solutions for your home.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
