If your electric bill is as much as, or more than, your new car payment, it is time to do something about it. There are many things you can do to reduce your electric usage. Set your thermostat to a slightly lower temperature in the winter and a higher one in the summer. You can also change the lightbulbs to a lower wattage or more efficient type.
However, if you want to make a big difference in your electric bill, contact a professional electrician. They will come to your home to do an inspection to determine the different things that can be done to help. While there, they will also perform any needed maintenance. In addition to the maintenance, here are a few other things they can do to reduce your electric bill.
Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to preset different temperatures for the day. You can have it set so that your heater or air conditioner does not turn on as often when it is not needed. For example, in the winter, have the thermostat programmed to turn the setting down during the day when no one is home and turned back up a bit before everyone returns, so the house is warm.
It is also possible to have a set of thermostats with one in each different zone of the house. These units will all connect to the main thermostat and the HVAC system. You can program different zones for different temperatures. The system will open and close dampers in the ducts to achieve the proper temperature in each zone at the appropriate times.
Appliances and Wiring
As appliances age, they lose their
energy efficiency. In addition, older models were not designed to be as energy efficient as new ones. Your electrician can look over what you have and make recommendations as to what you need to replace to help lower your electric bill. It is usually best to have a professional install any new appliances to be sure the wiring can handle the load.
Speaking of wiring, what you have in your home may be causing you to use more energy than necessary. Old wiring is not only bad for your electric bill but could be a fire hazard. You may need to have a few more breakers and/or outlets installed to make things more efficient and to handle all the new appliances you use.
Lighting Fixtures
Having a bunch of lamps in the house is probably not the most efficient way to light the rooms even if you use energy saving bulbs. Lamps are generally placed in specific areas where light is needed, and the area they light is limited. It is better to have permanent light fixtures place where they can light a larger area.
Putting in new wires for the new fixtures will require the services of a professional electrician. You will probably need to have a few new breakers added to the electrical box too. The technician can help you with the best placement of the lights and explain the different types of bulbs for the best lighting and efficiency.
Even if you are taking all the simple steps to lower your electric bill, it is always a good idea to have a professional company like Presley & Son Electric Service come out and look things over. We will make sure that you are getting the most out of everything electric in your home. In addition, we can test the meter to make sure that the reason for the high bills is not something the electric company needs to fix.
