Helpful Tips to Minimize Heavy Electrical Usage
Reducing electrical usage in homes can save money and minimize pollution. The best way to cut back on heavy usage is to think about what electrical devices are necessary and get smart about using them.
Here are several tips that could help reduce heavy electrical usage in every household and save hundreds of dollars:
Air conditioning and heating
HVAC systems are responsible for almost 50% of energy consumption in an average U.S. home. Here’s what to do to reduce these expenses:
Use air conditioning only during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 12 and 4 p.m.
Have the system regularly maintained, as this could improve its efficiency.
Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning.
Draw curtains during summer and open them during winter.
Clean the system to prevent dust clogs.
Water heating
Water heaters are also large electricity users. Try these tips to reduce utility bills:
Take showers instead of baths.
Don’t set the water heater temperature too high.
Insulate pipes.
Turn down or turn off the water heater when away from home.
Replace the current water heater with a solar one.
Appliances
Home appliances can use a lot of energy. Here’s how to save on significant appliances’ energy use:
Refrigerator
Don’t put too much food in the fridge.
Clean behind and under the refrigerator regularly to maintain adequate airflow.
Keep the most commonly used products in the front.
When it’s time to replace the fridge, invest in an energy-efficient model.
Maintain the manufacturer-recommended temperature.
Washer and dryer
Always wash full loads.
Don’t overfill the washer or dryer.
Whenever possible, use drying racks instead of the dryer.
Clear lint regularly
Don’t wash at high temperatures.
Electric oven and stove
Use a microwave or a toaster oven whenever possible instead of the electric oven and stove.
Avoid pre-heating unless necessary.
Turn off the burners before the dish is done. The residual heat will finish the process.
Don’t use the electric oven and stove during the hottest time of the day.
Dishwasher
Always wash full loads.
Pre-rinse the dishes to ensure they’re clean after one cycle.
Turn off heated dry.
Don’t run the dishwasher during the hottest period of the day.
Lighting
Many homeowners leave the lights on during the entire day. Although a light bulb typically doesn’t consume much energy, keep in mind that an average house has at least 50 light bulbs, which is a significant amount of wasted electricity. Here’s what to do to change this:
Turn off the lights when leaving the room.
Invest in energy-efficient light bulbs.
Open the curtains to let in the natural light.
Set timers on holiday lights.
Use motion detectors for security lights.
Television and media
Televisions, video game consoles, cable boxes, and other electronic entertainment devices can significantly contribute to heavy electrical usage. Follow the tips below to keep the usage at an optimal level:
Disable standby mode.
Reduce screen brightness.
Please turn off the equipment whenever you’re not using it.
Opt for energy-free activities. Board and card games are excellent options.
Save money and protect the planet
Many homeowners don’t bother making minor changes that could affect the amount of energy used each month. However, numerous small changes can have significant results and save hundreds of dollars in the long run.
If you’re not sure what to do to save energy, get in touch with qualified professionals. They can inspect the home and offer recommendations on minimizing heavy electrical usage.
ACT Electric is a full-service residential and commercial electrical contractor company specializing in electrical installation, repairs, and upgrades, electrical troubleshooting, electrical remodeling, electrical home inspection, and electrical retrofitting. We always prioritize customer comfort and safety. Give us a call at (480) 986-1722 today!
