It is in everybody’s best interest to make their electrical consumption more energy efficient. Not only will this translate to a lower electric bill, but you also save energy. Also, making sure that the electrical system in your house is operating in an energy efficient way means that your electrical equipment and devices are well-maintained and operating competently, hopefully with very little energy loss.
There are some ways by which you can save energy at home, thereby also saving money. Below are some simple ways of implementing energy saving solutions and reducing your energy consumption:
- Use sunlight to your advantage
We have windows for a reason, which is to let natural light and fresh air inside the home. Rather than drawing thick curtains or blinds across your window and turning the lights on inside the hone, why not try opening the window, turning off the light, and let sunlight filter in? Not only is this healthier for you and your family, but you will be able to save a lot of energy from turning off the lights during daylight hours each day. If this is what you regularly do at home, this means that you will also manage to save a lot on your electric bill.
- Use fans instead of air conditioner; or have your air conditioner serviced
Air conditioners use up a lot of electricity. Why not try opening a window, or using a fan instead? This is a good way to cut the energy costs at your home, particularly if it is not summer and you don’t really need it.
If you are going to use an air conditioner, make sure that your air conditioning unit is well maintained, and that its air filters and evaporator coil are clean. Simply making sure that your air conditioner is clean could save you energy consumption of up to 15 percent. Call a professional to service your air conditioner for you. An ideal time to do this would be the first day of spring.
- Turn off the lights
If you are not using the lights, turn them off. Or you may consider just opening a window and letting natural light enter the room rather than keeping the blinds or windows closed and using artificial light.
You may also consider replacing the regular incandescent light bulbs or fluorescent lights (CFLs) at your home with LED bulbs. Granted, LED bulbs are a lot more expensive, but the amount you will save long term, from not having to replace your light bulbs regularly, and the lower energy consumption of LED bulbs, can make the initial investment worthwhile in the long term.
- Use the following energy-saving tips in using appliances and electronics:
- Wash your clothes in cold water. A good portion of your energy consumption when using a washing machine, up to 90 percent, goes to heating water
- Using a microwave instead of a stove uses about two-thirds less energy
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible
- Turn off the oven a few minutes before the cooking time runs out. The cooking process will continue without utilizing any extra energy. Also, try not to open the oven door any more frequently than necessary. When you do so, temperature drops and more energy is required to bring the heat back up once you close the oven door
- Only turn on your computer and other office electrical equipment only when you need it.
- Don’t leave your mobile phone plugged in overnight. Avoiding overcharging your phone may also help prolong your battery life
- Shortening your shower time, even by just two minutes, could potentially save you some 463 kWh
- If you are not using an electronic device or appliance, make sure that they are unplugged and turned off
Professional electricians at www.electriciancolumbusohio.com can help you with all your electrical installation & repair needs.
