|
|
|
How to Reduce Home Electricity Costs
Energy Efficient Electricity Tips
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
There are two basic solutions to
reduce home electricity costs, either find a lower cost electric utility company
or use less electricity. For most homeowners choosing an alternative electric
utility company is not an option. As a result, the only practical way to reduce
home electricity costs is to use less electricity. Reducing home electricity
usage is not as difficult or onerous as one may think. Gone are the days when
you might have thought you’d have to be willing to live in the dark or step back
in time to conserve electricity needs.
|
There are many energy efficient
electricity tips you can employ that can save you hundreds of dollars or more a
year on electric utility bills. Listed below are ten tips on how to reduce home
electricity costs.
Reduce Home
Lighting Costs
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. You can
reduce lighting costs by up to 70% by making this switch. The only caveat is
that only replace bulbs that are normally left on for long periods of times in
the evening, e.g. in family rooms. A compact fluorescent light bulb’s lifespan
is shortened if it is turned on and off very frequently, e.g. in a bathroom.
Also make sure to turn off lights in rooms when leaving them. Finally, replace
standard light switches with motion controlled activated switches.
|
|
Unplug Unused
Consumer Electronics
Televisions, stereos, computers, and cell phone and computer charges all consume
an appreciable amount of electricity when left plugged in and turned off. Unplug
them or put them on a switched power strip so that with one flick of a switch
you can effectively disconnect multiple items from your home’s electrical power
grid.
Upgrade Appliances
Upgrade old appliances with Energy Star certified appliances to dramatically
reduce home electricity costs.
|
New Energy Star refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers
consume a fraction of the electricity required by their predecessors.
Operate Appliances
During Off Peak Electrical Power Demand Times
Electric utilities charge by the Kilowatt/hour (Kw/hr) rate. Electric utilities
charge significantly higher Kw/hr rates during the day time when there is peak
demand by businesses. Consider running the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer
in the evenings when the Kw/hr rates are much lower.
Install Skylights
The installation of skylights can eliminate the need for electrical lighting
during the day time in dark rooms.
Maximize Use of Appliances
Make sure dishwashers, washing machines and dryers are filled to capacity when
using them, so that they are required to operate less frequently. Also lower the
temperature settings on heating water for the washing machine and dishwasher. In
addition, turn the temperature up slightly on your refrigerator so that it is
not quite as cold.
Install Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats can dramatically reduce home electricity costs, and
even oil or gas costs depending upon you main type of heating fuel. Programmable
thermostats can be programmed to have multiple settings throughout the day, as
well as weekday and weekend settings.
Wrap Hot Water Heater
Whether you have an electrical hot water heater or an oil/gas hot water heater,
wrap it in a hot water heater blanket to prevent heat loss.
Save on Home Electricity Costs associated with Summer Air Conditioning
Electrical air conditioners consume a massive amount of electricity. To reduce
home electricity costs associated with air conditioners set the air conditioners
to slightly warmer temperatures. Also, update your home’s windows with double
pane, low-E glass, and close blinds and curtains during peak sunlight hours in
the summer. Finally, consider planting shade trees to block the sunlight from
entering your home during the hot summer months.
Better Insulate Your Home
Make sure your home has adequate wall and ceiling insulation per the Department
of Energy’s recommendations for home insulation in your area of the country.
Also make sure to caulk around doors and windows to prevent energy losses from
the home.
|
Find a Qualified Residential Electrical Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Residential
Electrical
Contractors! |
For help on building a new custom home, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
New Home
Construction Bid Sheet.
The
New Home Construction Bid Sheet
provides you with the knowledge on how to plan a custom home building project,
and what to look for when hiring contractors for your new home construction. It
also includes a detailed cost breakdown table and spreadsheet for estimating
your own new home construction building costs.
How to Finance your
New Home Project - LendingTree's
Home Equity Loans
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if
financing is required.
Related Articles
Electrical Junction Boxes
from Amazon.com
Electrical
Contractor Price Quotes For FREE,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on residential electrical work from one of our prescreened and licensed
electrical contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your electrical contractor price estimate.
|
|
|
