Calgary Electrician: How to Save Money on Electricity
Electricity costs can make a big dent in your budget. But if you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t want to stop using everything that gives your life comfort and extreme efficiency. While saving energy can save you a substantial amount of money, you’ll be able to do so without having to compromise what you enjoy doing in your spare time, which tends to involve electricity one way or another. By adopting different energy-saving methods in your home and having a local Calgary electrician install new and accessible programs, you can effectively minimize your upcoming energy bill.
Find out what more you can do to minimize your electricity bill each month through various sustainable and affordable ways.
Switch to Led Light Bulbs
For a good reason, LED light bulbs are becoming more and more common on the market. They use less power than other types of bulbs, they last longer and come in a wide range of colours. If you’re looking to save money on electricity, LED bulbs are your best bet.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
A dirty filter can mean that your air conditioner is struggling to cool down your home because it has to work harder than it should. This can result in higher energy bills and lower comfort levels if you live in a hot climate. Make sure to replace your filters regularly so your air conditioner can do its job efficiently. By this, you can hire a Calgary electrician who will help you replace your air filters.
Use Programmable Thermostats
These devices allow you to set up rules for when certain appliances should be turned on or off automatically based on the time of day or day of the week. You can set up rules based on when you leave for work or school, when you arrive home, or even when you go to bed at night! This will help reduce the amount of electricity consumed by your appliances throughout the day and night without effort.
Use a Clothesline Instead of a Dryer
Drying clothes on a clothesline is one of the easiest ways to reduce your electric bill and save money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drying clothes outside in the sun can cut energy costs by up to 90% compared with using an electric dryer. And while most people think that using an outdoor clothesline is inconvenient, there are ways to do it without spending too much time outside or having your laundry sit out in the rain.
Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
Heat loss can account for as much as 20% of your total home energy bill, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). So make sure that all areas of your home are properly insulated. This includes sealing any cracks or holes in walls and doors, installing storm windows, and installing double-pane windows where necessary. You can also use reflective film on windows if they face south or west; this helps reflect sunlight during the day, reducing heat gain inside your home at night when temperatures drop outside.
Replace Old Appliances with Energy-Efficient Ones
The average lifespan of an appliance is about ten years, but many people hang on to their old appliances far longer than that. If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than ten years old, consider replacing it by hiring a skilled electrician for a new model that’s more energy efficient. You can find out how much energy an appliance uses by looking at its Energy Guide label, which is outside the box and gives you the estimated annual operating cost. When buying new appliances, look for the Energy Star label. It indicates that the EPA has certified the appliance to use 20% less energy than standard models.
Conclusion
Were you aware that electricity is sometimes wasted through inefficiency? About 20 percent of your total electricity bill is for waste. This can be prevented by knowing how to manage your energy costs more carefully. Some of the best ways to do this are not to leave electronics on standby, switch off lights and unplug appliances when not in use, and seal air leaks in your house with caulk or weather stripping.
Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home, or business for Calgary electrical services, or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, as well as trust and value, is how we can provide our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.