Everyone knows how to turn off lights that aren’t being used and how to use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent. Here are some electricity-saving tips from Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric you may not have thought of or implemented yet:
Contact the electric company. They may offer special plans that can reduce your rates. They may also offer to perform a household energy audit to suggest areas where you can save. Many times, this service is free!
Eliminate power drains. Chargers, electronics and other devices tend to use power even when they’re not being used. These useless drains can by eliminated by using devices with power-saving sleep modes, using plug load managing devices or simply unplugging things when not in use.
Auto switching. Outdoor lights do not need to stay on all night. Installing timer switches will turn them off automatically in case you forget. Occupancy sensors will also automatically turn off lights in unoccupied rooms or porches.
Check your HVAC equipment. Spending a little to hire a heating and air conditioning technician to check your equipment and make sure it is working as efficiently as possible can save substantial amounts of money. Also, ask your technician to verify that your equipment is properly sized. If it is much more powerful than it needs to be, replacing it with a correctly sized unit may pay for itself in reduced energy costs.
Reprogram your thermostat. Air conditioning an empty house is a waste. A programmable thermostat can turn off your system after everyone’s gone and turn it back on just in time for everyone’s return. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, having one installed may pay for itself.
Give appliances a rest on summer days. While the air conditioner does its best to keep the house cool on a hot day, other appliances may be working simultaneously to heat it, such as the dryer, the oven and the dishwasher. Your air conditioner will thank them for waiting until the evening to do their work.
In addition, Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric offers maintenance packages to help you save money on your electric bill. Call today at 801-833-3333. Our Electricians are ready to help you prep your home with these energy saving techniques.