Every homeowner would like to cut expenses wherever possible, and the electric bill offers plenty of opportunities for this. Electricity has become so ingrained in modern life that people rarely notice when it is being wasted. Use these tips to make your home more energy efficient while saving yourself money in the process.
Only Use Air Conditioning in Occupied Rooms
Every electrician in Miami can confirm that air conditioning uses an enormous amount of electricity, so it’s crucial to make the most of that cool air. If your home has central air conditioning, you may be wasting electricity every time you turn it on. This is because the unit is probably blasting cool air into every room of the house, even the ones that are unoccupied. Close the vents in these empty rooms to lighten the load on the machine and save energy.
Turn Down the Water Heater Thermostat
Most water heaters are set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is much hotter than any household activity requires, and it also poses a burn hazard. Turning the water heater’s thermostat down to 120 degrees will save a huge amount of electricity. Remember that water heaters keep a tank full of hot water whether it gets used or not, so turning the thermostat down even a little bit will give you considerable savings.
Adjust the Refrigerator Temperature
The refrigerator is another appliance that is usually configured to use more energy than necessary. Food can be safely stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so set the thermostat somewhere around 38. Leave a thermometer in the refrigerator overnight to make sure it is at a safe temperature.
Get a Home Energy Audit
This service is immensely helpful for identifying other wastes of energy around your home. You may be able to get one from your utility company, a Miami electrician service, or other home improvement contractors. These trained auditors can spot places where your electricity is going to waste and tell you how to remedy the situation.
It is entirely possible to save electricity without giving up modern comforts. It could be as easy as closing off the vents to empty rooms, making sure that appliances are not using more energy than necessary, or having professionals examine your home for electrical inefficiencies. Taking these steps to minimize your electricity usage will benefit both your checkbook and the environment.