We are so dependent upon electricity in winter, that we almost take the supply for granted. That is, until it comes to paying our electric bills. If you don’t pay attention to how much electricity your home uses, electrical costs can become expensive. There are many ways to save energy at home, and save money on your electricity bills. Here are some ways an electrician can help you do this in Arlington, TX:
Install dimmers – Dimmers can be an effective way to reduce your energy consumption. A general light fixture will provide more than enough light to brighten your home, but sometimes, you don’t need all the light it provides. This is especially true in bedrooms and dining rooms, where less light can create a better ambience. Dimmers let you control how much light is produced. This allows you to use less electricity. Ask your electrician to install dimmer switches, if you’d like to take advantage of customizable light levels.
Install motion sensors – These lights can be very effective at night, especially if they are located above your garage or external doors. They will only turn on when they sense motion, such as someone walking by or driving up to them. This ensures that you don’t waste energy on lighting areas when they’re not being used. An electrician can even install motion sensor lights inside your home, should you need them!
Install power strips – While you may be careful to turn off appliances and electrical devices when they’re not in use, did you know they can absorb energy for as long as they remain plugged in? This is sometimes called “Vampire Power” by the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s estimated that around 75% of electrical usage occurs when electronic devices are turned off, but they remain plugged in or on standby. After you turn off power strips, they will stop the flow of electricity to connected devices. An electrician can install a wide variety of modern power strips, including smart strips that can be used to automatically turn off any device that is plugged in.
Replace your old lights with LEDs – LEDs are less expensive than they were, and they consume 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. LEDs will last longer and save you money over the long-term.
Lighting accounts for about 10% of the energy costs in most households. Upgrading to new compact fluorescent lightbulbs can cut 75 percent of the energy used by traditional incandescent bulbs. Ask your electrician to upgrade interior and exterior lighting to benefit from better energy efficiency and lower electrical costs.
Install solar lights as outdoor lighting – If you have many outdoor lights on your property, that light areas such as the path leading from the sidewalk through the yard, solar lights may be a better option. Solar lights can be used outdoors to absorb sunlight during the day and then run at night for no charge.
Reduce the temperature of your water heater – Your water heater uses a lot of electricity to heat your water to high temperatures. The temperature can be lowered to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and still provide adequate hot water. If you’re having issues setting or keeping the right temperature in your Arlington, TX home then an electrician can help you.
Check electrical wiring quality – To get the best out of your electrical systems, it is essential to have good electrical wiring leading to and from appliances. Many of the outlets in your home could offer more resistance than you expected. You’ll be paying higher bill costs if there’s too much resistance and lower-than-expected amperage flowing from your outlets.
Install a whole-home surge protector – When something interrupts the electrical flow or voltage spikes, this is a power surge. These surges have numerous causes, including high-energy appliances or high-wattage lighting. Surges can also cause fires or damage to electronic devices and appliances. Prevent these hazards by asking an electrician to install a whole-house surge protector.
A whole-house surge protection acts like an insurance policy. Although it may not reduce your monthly electric bill, it can help protect your home from potential damage worth thousands of dollars and increase your home’s value.
Replace your air filters – Regularly changing your air filters can help relieve pressure on your heating and cooling units. Air flows more freely through an air filter that is well-maintained. An old filter is less likely to allow air to flow through. They are not as effective as a new or clean replacement. An old filter can trap dirt and dust particles from the air that passes through it. This can lead to a variety of problems. It is important to change your air filters regularly in order to keep your costs down and your air clean. An electrician can check and replace air filters during a regular air conditioning service.
Older homes are more vulnerable to energy inefficiencies. Homeowners should be more proactive about energy saving upgrades than they would with newer homes. However, the same rules apply to all homes; energy efficiency is a major concern. Attics are a key area in which a lot of energy and heat loss occurs. If they are not properly insulated, you can receive huge energy bills. Replacing old insulation is a smart decision, as there have been many advancements in insulation over the last few years.
Computers and TVs are common electronics in the home that cause homeowners to waste energy. Electronics, including computers, can be costing homeowners as much as 21 cents per hour or $75 annually in electricity when they’re not in use. Turning off these devices instead of leaving them on standby can save you money.
These energy-saving tips can be used around your home to reduce your electricity bills. If your home has electricity problems and you live in Arlington, TX, then call in an electrician from Tioga Plumbing & Electric to investigate. We can install, repair, and maintain your household’s electrical system with ease.
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