Most property owners have likely dealt with the unpleasant surprise of an unexpectedly high electric bill at some point. Why does it happen?
It can be caused by a wide array of things. Here we aim to help you troubleshoot what the root of the problem might be.
1) Phantom Energy Draws. What are they? This comes from those devices you leave plugged in all the time. Guess what? They continue to use electricity even when you’re not using them. Culprits include computer chargers, gaming consoles, cable boxes, DVRs, and the like. The solution? It’s easy; unplug these when you don’t need them.
2) Ceiling Fans & Lights. Overhead lighting costs more than the use of a lamp, so when possible, make the switch. Just reading? Use a lamp near your preferred spot. Do yourself the favor of always turning off lights when you leave a room, too. Ceiling fans can help you to limit the use of air conditioning (a big electric bill booster), but remember to turn them off when they aren’t needed.
3) Go LED. Switching out your lightbulbs and using LED versions can result in significant savings over time as LED bulbs use 80 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than their counterparts.
4) Invest in Insulation. If your home’s insulation is lacking, your furnace and air conditioning systems may be working harder, thereby increasing your electric bill. Check and fix drafty doors and windows if you have them.
5) Go Energy-Star Certified. If you’re replacing older appliances, invest in Energy-Star rated versions as they use less energy. You may even score a tax rebate. Also, work to run your appliances only when they are at full capacity: think full dishwaters, washers, and dryers.
6) Smart Thermostat. Keeping the temperature in your home constant is a great energy saver. It’s tempting to adjust according to the weather, but try to resist. A smart thermostat can make this easier. And when you are away from home, lower the temperature a bit to use less electricity.
Start using just a few of these tips and tricks and get ready to enjoy lower monthly electric bills!
Can we help you install more energy-efficient systems in your home? Reach out to Stevens Electric in Fleetwood, Berks County, Pennsylvania, at stevenselectricllc.com or call 610-316-9998 and we’ll be happy to discuss the options available to you.
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