Energy costs can make a significant impact on your finances. But thankfully, there are many ways to conserve energy and save on your electric bill.
One easy way to do this is by turning off your electronics when not in use. It will cut down on what is known as “vampire loads.”
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Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting is one of the largest energy consumers in homes, and making simple changes to your lighting habits can save you a lot of money. Installing energy-efficient bulbs is a great way to start saving.
Energy-efficient light bulbs use less energy and last up to 25 years longer than incandescent bulbs. Various options are available, including LEDs, CFLs and halogen incandescents. They all deliver exceptional features while using far less energy than conventional lights. In addition, modern solar energy technologies are constantly improving, and most residential and commercial needs can be more than adequately met by modern solar panels, especially in Texas. You can choose which is best for your installation by considering the panels’ combined costs and kilowatt output. You must know the average cost of solar panels in Texas, which will provide you with an excellent financial return.
Turn Off Electronics When Not in Use
You may not be aware, but many household appliances and electronics draw energy even when off. It is called phantom power, and it can be a significant contributor to your electric bill.
Unplugging these devices can significantly reduce energy costs, and it’s a good habit to form!
If you’re on a tight budget, an excellent place to start is with your TV and computer. These devices are designed to go into standby mode when not in use, using only a tiny amount of power to maintain their settings.
Other things to unplug include your phones, laptop chargers, and anything with a digital clock or other display. These can add up to vast amounts of electricity over time, so unplugging them when not in use is essential.
Lower Your Thermostat
The heating and cooling of your home make up a large percentage of your energy bill. Lowering your thermostat can save you a lot of money, especially in the winter.
According to the Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day can reduce your annual heating costs by as much as 10%.
When programming your thermostat, consider the daily schedules of the entire household. If you like a warm home at night, set your thermostat to a more relaxed setting before going to bed and set it back to a more hospitable environment when you wake up.
This strategy, called a thermostat setback, will ensure that your house stays at an optimal temperature while you are out of the house or sleeping at night. It will also help you avoid overheating your home during hot summer days.
Get a Bright Power Strip
You are investing in an intelligent power strip to reduce energy consumption and electric bills. These devices look like standard power strips but can control each outlet and the gadgets plugged in using your phone or smart hub.
In addition, some have sensors that can detect when a device is in standby mode and turn off all power.
These gadgets can help reduce your electric bill while extending your equipment’s life and enhancing home security. They also let you set schedules for your outlets to turn on and off at specific times.
Intelligent power strips also cut off phantom power, or energy that a device draws while in standby mode or “powered down.” Vampire power is an added expense that can add 10 percent to your monthly electric bill.
Replace Your Lightbulbs
While there are many ways to save energy and reduce your electric bill, replacing old lightbulbs is one of the simplest. You can choose from various options, including LEDs and intelligent bulbs that connect to your smart assistant.
Before you replace your lightbulbs, be sure they’re within the maximum wattage rating for your fixture. If you need more clarification, contact a licensed electrician.
Changing lightbulbs can be dangerous, so be careful and take the proper safety precautions. It includes using a stepladder or secure stool to reach higher ceiling fixtures and turning off the power before you start.
