Energy is a monthly cost that many people wish they could lower but they’re not sure how. This article aims to go over some general tips on how to lower your electricity bill each month and some tips especially for Floridians and our hot-weather comrades. Consider speaking to a highly skilled Clearwater electrician for your situation specifically.
Energy Bill Saving Tips from Clearwater Electrician
1. Home Energy Checks
Various electricity providers may be able to assess your home to identify where they can reduce their electricity use and save money. This assessment may be available online and can possibly find rebates for a specific home. Contact a Clearwater electrician to get your home energy checked.
2. State and Local Energy Rebates
Explore your state and local rebates that are available in your area. Replacing old, inefficient equipment can help with your energy output and you might be rewarded for it.
3. Limit the Time you Run your Pool Pump
Limit the time the pool pump is running to six hours a day in the summer and four hours a day in the winter. Pool pumps consume a lot of energy and you don’t need to have them running 24/7 to enjoy your pool.
4. Keep your Air Conditioning at 78
Keeping your thermostat at a relatively high, but still comfortable temperature in the summers will decrease how much energy your cooling system is using. For additional savings, raise the thermostat to 82 degrees while you’re away. Programmable thermostats can make this extremely easy buy remembering your preferences and knowing when you’ll be out of the house.
5. Keep your Heater Low
Maintaining a lower temperature will keep your costs down in the winter months. Though you may be a bit chilly, remember the season and dress for it! Wearing a big sweater and fuzzy socks inside is a part of the colder season.
6. Keep your Water Heater Temperature at 120
Many people have their water heater set to 140 degrees. The US Department of energy suggests maintaining a 120 degree water heater to save energy and money.
7. Keep you A/C Clean
A dirty air conditioner filter will put strain on your system to pump out the same amount of air. Keeping your filter clean and clear allows air to flow much more easily and will save you money. A Clearwater electrician can help clean your A/C and ensure it remains that way.
8.Turn Off the Ceiling Fan
When you leave the room, you may have the habit of turning off the lights. Be sure to make turning off the ceiling fan a habit as well. Though it doesn’t seem like it uses much energy, ceiling fans that run at all hours cost up to $7 a month.
9. Install Water-Efficient Shower Heads
High-pressure shower heads can damage your skin and hair. Using a water-efficient shower head that doesn’t blast you with high-pressure water can be easier on your body as well as your wallet. Making this switch can save you up to $100 a year, depending on your family size and showering frequency.
10. Match Water Level to Laundry Size
Some families have a setting they use for just about every load. Take an extra moment to adjust the “Load Size” indicator. Running your laundry load in the appropriate amount of water saves on energy use. Be sure to always use a cold rinse.
11. Keep the Lint Filter Clear
Cleaning the lint filter before drying each load increases the efficiency of the dryer. This means your clothes will get dry quicker and with less energy.
12. Use the Auto-Stop Option on your Dryer
This will prevent you from using more energy than necessary and from over-drying your clothes.
13. Do your Laundry and Dishes at Night
Did you know energy costs vary throughout the day? Rates for electricity are lowest at night, when not many people are using power. Running your dishwasher or drying your sheets at night can help keep energy costs down.
14. Load your Dishwasher Efficiently
Be sure to only run your dishwasher when it is completely full – but not too full! If you run it when it isn’t full, that means you’ll end up having to run it more often. If you overload your dishwasher and some dishes don’t get clean on the first wash, then you’ll have to rerun those dishes.
15. Keep your Vents Clear
Maintaining your air conditioning and heating unit is important for efficient energy use. Cleaning and replacing the filters in your HVAC system on a regular basis from a Clearwater electrician ensures your machine functions efficiently.
The Importance of Adjusting Your Thermostat
During the summer months, many Floridians see a significant surge in their electricity bills. For a family with a home of 1850 square feet, each day a family maintains an indoor temperature of 78 degrees when the outdoor temperature is five degrees hotter than normal may costs that family $2. This may not sound like much, but there are many hot days in Florida’s summers, and the cost is much more for larger and colder homes. An extended period of hot weather can cause a serious spike in the monthly bill a family receives. Though it may be a bit uncomfortable and the kids may complain, matching the indoor temperature to the season is a great way of saving on energy. Dress for the season, turn on the ceiling fan, and accept that temperatures change throughout the year! More importantly, consult a Clearwater electrician who can help you optimize your electricity bills.
Call a Clearwater Electrician to Start Saving Money on Your Electricity
With more than 40 years combined experience of electrical work in Florida, you can trust the electricians at East West Electric to get the job done and get it done right. Whether you have a large electrical project at hand or just want to optimize your home to reduce your electric bill, give us a call at (727) 771-9403 to speak to a Clearwater electrician. You can also find our contact information here.
