Some Easy Tips to Lower Your Energy Bill

December 31, 2020 8:35 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household spends about $1,400 per year on electricity. Between the air conditioner, heater, water heater, computers, televisions and other major appliances, it’s no wonder the bills are so high. Luckily, you can make some smart fixes to lower your energy bill up to 25 percent. Read on for some tips from an electrical repair service in Oakdale, CA.

Power and lighting

Keeping the lights on isn’t as cheap as it used to be, and it accounts for over 10 percent of a typical home’s energy usage. Here’s how to save money while still enjoying all your favorite gadgets.

  • Energy audit: Your local power company may offer free energy audits, where they’ll come out to your home to determine where your power usage is concentrated and where you can make adjustments.
  • Switch to energy-efficient bulbs: Incandescent bulbs are no longer sold in California, as of January 1, 2020—but that doesn’t mean you’re not still sitting on a stash. Consider making the switch to energy-efficient LED lightbulbs. Not only do they use significantly less energy than incandescent lights, they’re also safer. LED bulbs produce a fraction of the heat that incandescent bulbs do.
  • Try a dimmer switch: Dimmer switches allow you to turn down the brightness in each room, which saves on electricity (and can improve your home’s ambience at the same time).
  • Use smart power strips: Many of your electronic devices never switch off completely. Even when you hit the power button, they’re still using a trickle of power to stay in standby mode. This usually occurs in appliances like computers and televisions, or other gadgets with remote controls. Even though the power usage is minimal, it still adds up over time. Try using smart power strips—they’ll cut off that trickle of energy when the electronics aren’t in use.

Heating and cooling

Heating and cooling account for the bulk of the average home’s energy and power expenditures. Here are some tips to use your heat and AC more effectively:

  • Check on your thermostat: Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature on pre-determined schedules or while you’re away from home. At night and when you’re away, set the temperature 10 to 15 degrees lower.
  • Adjust your fridge and freezer temperature: Set your refrigerator to 38 degrees, and keep your freezer somewhere between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. This will cut down on your power usage while still keeping your food safe and fresh.
  • Look for window and door leaks: If your air conditioner and heater work overtime during the winter and summer, you’re probably leaking air somewhere. Have your insulation inspected every few years, and seal up your doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping.
  • Have your ductwork inspected: Finally, inspecting and repairing your HVAC ductwork can prevent unwanted heat transfer—and save you a bundle on heating and cooling costs. If you don’t want to do it yourself, call your local HVAC contractor to do the job. It also doesn’t hurt to perform regular HVAC maintenance in spring and fall.

To schedule electrical repair service in Oakdale, CA and improve your home’s energy efficiency, call Wilkinson Electric Inc. today.

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