Now, more than ever, it is important to utilize electricity saving habits at home, both for the cost saving efficiency and to help protect the earth’s natural resources. There are certain practices that all families can adopt to help keep electricity costs down while saving energy. Here are some simple steps that can make a big difference:
Turn off unused electrically operated machines
Many people are unaware of the fact that when appliances and machines are left plugged in, they continue use electricity whether they are being used or not. A great way to cut back on electricity usage is to turn off all electrically operated machines that are not being used. This includes DVD players, computers, television sets, stereos, video games and anything similar. Some of these machines have stand-by functions that use electricity all the time. These should be unplugged altogether when the owners are away or are not using them regularly.
Do not block heating and air conditioning vents
All heating and air conditioning vents should be kept free and clear from any furniture that may obstruct the natural airflow. When vents are blocked, heating and air conditioning systems must work harder and use more electricity to function as they are intended. It is also important to keep all windows and doors closed when the air conditioning or heat are turned on. Double check windows to make sure they have a good seal and that the warm air is not being leaked out. It is good practice to re-caulk every couple of years.
Buy a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can go far to reduce heating and cooling bills by keeping one’s house at the ideal temperature all the time. One does not have to be at home to raise or lower the heat or air conditioning when temperatures change outside. A programmable thermostat can keep the house at any temperature the owner wants it.
About that water heater
A water heater can use a lot of electricity unnecessarily if sediment has been allowed to build up in the bottom of the tank. Water has a difficult time running through a sediment-clogged filter and if the filter is dirty, the heater uses more electricity to force the water through. Therefore, it can help lower electricity costs to drain about a gallon out via the faucet at the bottom of the tank. If the water heater is an older model, replacing it altogether can save a tremendous amount of electricity. It can pay off to check to see how much electricity the water heater is using and to take appropriate action, if necessary.
Turn off the water when brushing teeth
It takes a lot of electricity to pump and heat running water. Doing something as small as turning off the water when one brushes his or her teeth, or taking shorter showers can result in a surprisingly sizable reduction in one’s electric bill each month.
Maximize the Daylight Hours
If there is anything that one can get done during daylight hours without turning on lamps and lights, it is a good idea to begin as early in the day as possible. Open the curtains and clean or do whatever can be done without the added cost of turning on electric lights. If it is not possible to do this, it can be a good idea to try using a light that has one large bulb rather than a number of small lamps that use a lot of bulbs. A single 100 watt light bulb uses fewer overall watts of electricity and gives off a brighter light than two 60 watt bulbs.
Economize in the Kitchen
There are several things that one can do to help cut back on electricity costs in the kitchen. The first is to vacuum the coils at the bottom of the refrigerator periodically. This lowers the electric bill by preventing the condenser from having to work so hard. Another trick is to cool hot foods to room temperature prior to putting them into the refrigerator. Of course, some recipes instruct cooks not to do this, so one should read directions and act accordingly. When using the oven, it is important not to let the heat escape by opening the oven door too often during the cooking process. It is best to follow cooking directions and leave the door closed until the last few minutes of the designated cook time. While the oven is hot, one can also economize by cooking a few dishes at the same time.
Make Sure Everything Electric is in Tip Top Shape
Making sure that all electrical appliances are in optimum working condition is the best practice to truly economize electricity usage. Cutler Bay-based Miami Electric Wizards can help optimize energy appliances that are using too much electricity due to maintenance issues, or can advise home owners on replacing those appliances that can be causing one’s electric bill to be too high every month. It is always a good idea to get an expert opinion on ways to lower one’s electric bill. Contact Miami Electric Wizards today and start saving money!