At this point in time, we are so dependent on electricity that we almost take it for granted, that is until it comes time to pay the electric bills. Electric bills can be costly if you’re not paying attention to how much electricity you are using. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can save energy around the home in order to save some money on your electric bills. The following are just a few tips for doing so:
- Install dimmers – Installing dimmers on your home’s general lighting can be a very effective way to cut down on your energy use. You rarely need all of the light that a general light fixture provides, especially in the bedroom or dining room areas, where less light can actually help improve the atmosphere. Dimmers allow you to control the amount of light being produced, which lets you use less electricity as a result.
- Install motion sensors – Motion sensor lights are extremely effective during the night, especially above your garage. They only turn on if they detect motion, such as if someone walks by or drives up. This means that you won’t be wasting energy lighting an area that’s not being used.
- Use power strips – You may take care to turn off electrical devices and appliances when you’re not using them, but did you know that they will continue to absorb energy as long as they are plugged in? This is often referred to as “vampire power.” According to the U.S. Department of Energy, around 75 percent of the electrical use by electronic devices occurs while they are turned off but remain plugged in. Power strips will cut off the flow of electricity once you turn them off. You can also use smart strips, which will automatically cut off power to any device plugged in that’s been turned off.
- Replace old lights with LEDs – LEDs are not as expensive as they once were and you’ll reduce the amount of electricity you use significantly since they use 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. Not only will you save money on energy costs long-term, but LEDs last a lot longer as well.
- Use outdoor solar lights – If you have a lot of outdoor lights installed on your property, such as path lights by your sidewalk, you should consider using solar lights instead. Outdoor solar lights will absorb the sun’s energy during the day, allowing them to run for free at night.
- Lower your water heater’s temperature – The water heater uses a lot of electricity to keep your water hot. However, it’s often set at a temperature much higher than it needs to be. You can lower it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and still receive properly heated water.
Use these energy saving tips around the house in order to cut down on your expensive electricity bills. If you have any issues with your home’s electricity and are located in the Houston, TX area, then be sure to contact us online at Aaron’s Electrical Service in Houston to request a free quote today.
