For most homes in America, the highest utility cost is typically the electric bill. Did you know, according to the US Department of Energy, at least $2,200 is spent on utility bills every year by American families? That’s quite a bit. What if we could offer some assistance? In this article, we will be discussing some tips and tricks provided by our knowledgeable technicians at Five Star Electrical Group to save you money on your monthly electric bills!
Should I Upgrade My Thermostat?
Programmable or Wi-Fi thermostats are one of the best energy-saving thermostat options on the market. Switching to a modern thermostat can significantly save you energy, especially if you cannot recall how old your current thermostat is or if you have had it since you bought your home. When homeowners make the switch to programmable or Wi-Fi thermostats, they have the potential of saving up to 10% on home heating, cooling, and electricity costs!
Will Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs and Dimmer Switches Help?
Energy-efficient light bulbs are always a great option for lowering residential electricity bills, primarily since LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. On top of that, LED bulbs also last up to ten times longer! With that being said, you may also want to consider installing dimmer switches to help with electricity bills. This switch will help control the amount of electricity running the lights in your home. Dimmer switches not only save you on electricity bills, but they also lengthen the lifespan of your light bulbs.
Should I Weather Strip My Entire Home?
Ensuring your home is airtight and sealed will guarantee savings. The best way to do this is to walk around your home and take note of anywhere where it may feel there is a hot or cold spot, also known as a “weak area” within the home. Sealing these cracks or leaks in and around your home’s windows and doors will avoid any heating or cooling from going outdoors or anywhere unwanted, so you’re not wasting energy!
If I Upgrade My Home Appliances, Will That Make a difference?
Believe it or not, your older appliances could be the reason why your electricity bill is so high. As appliances get older, they require more energy to operate at the standards most homeowners would prefer. So when searching out new appliances like an oven, dishwasher, or fridge, be sure to look out for models with an ENERGY STAR® label.
Will Taking Shorter Showers Help?
Heated showers can get pretty expensive, mainly depending on your time spent taking showers. Even just a five-minute shower uses one-third less water than most people would use in a ten-minute shower. So the best way to save on your electricity bill is to shorten the time spent in the shower and lighten up the amount of hot water used.
How Does Replacing My HVAC Air Filters Help My Electricity Bill?
Typically, if you do not replace your HVAC system’s air filter at least every 30 to 60 days, the dirt, debris, and other particles stuck on the filter will travel through the inside of the system. As a result, this causes build-ups which could be problematic and lead to a higher monthly electric bill. Consistently replacing your HVAC air filters will ensure your equipment runs more efficiently, using less energy.
Making these small changes to your household could be a substantial reduction in your home electric bill. However, if you notice that these changes haven’t helped and your electric bill is still high, it may be time to call the professionals. Our electricians at the Five Star Electrical Group will be able to identify and repair all of your home electrical needs typically within the same day! So give us a call today at (844) 397-4664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
