Learn How to Save Energy and Reduce Electric Bills with These Simple Tips

Homeowners looking to save money on their electric bills can quickly learn that small changes make an obvious difference and can certainly help to save energy and reduce their electric bills. Gervais Electric has some simple tips to share on how our valued clients can manage their utilities and save themselves a bit of money at the same time.

Energy consumption varies from home-to-home: from household tasks, outdoor necessities and a variety of seasonal needs. Though attempting to initiate each of the suggestions and tips we offer here may be somewhat challenging to homeowners, you are sure to recognize some areas in your home that can adapt, improve and accommodate many of these practical improvements.

TIPS TO HELP SAVE ENERGY AND REDUCE YOUR ELECTRIC BILL

• Control the Temperatures in Your Home – During the extreme summer or winter months, homeowners tend to rely heavily on their cooling and heating systems, which are by all means energy consuming appliances that provide the warm or cool we want or need. In addition to preventative maintenance for your heating and cooling systems, there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce their workload, minimize your electric bill and save energy.

You can invest in a programmable thermostat and set it to control the varied temperatures in your home during the sleeping hours or when you are away. In addition, you should run your ceiling fans that can easily regulate the temperatures in your rooms. Though the fan does not provide the same cooling effect as your AC system, it will circulate the air and minimize the work your system has to do. Finally, be sure to change your filters regularly. When filters are dirty or clogged your system has to work harder to regulate the temperatures in your home thereby using more energy.

• Unplug devices not being used – Even when a device or appliance is not in use they will still utilize standby energy and can contribute greatly to increased utility bills. With that said, when you are not utilizing your devices, be sure to unplug them in your efforts to reduce utility bills and save energy and money over time.
• Minimize leaks in your home – In order to regulate the temperatures in your home, it is important to ensure that unwanted air is not finding its way into your home or out of it as well. You may want to have an energy audit of your home performed to evaluate your energy usage and identify problem areas for you. Be sure to check out your home for cracks or leaks and fix the problems by weather stripping your windows, and doors as well as insulating your attic.
• Turn off the lights – Invest in energy efficient light bulbs which can easily help to reduce your electric bill and save energy. Though LED bulbs may cost more, they use much less electricity and, in the long run, you will benefit in both energy and utility savings. Further, during the daytime, instead of turning on the lights, open up the blinds and shutters and let the natural light come in and brighten your home.
• Invest in Energy Star appliances – These innovative appliances save you money on your electric bill by performing responsible energy consumption. Whether washing machines, dryers, refrigerators or hot water heaters, Energy Star appliances are a surefire way to minimize utility bills and save energy.
• Don’t forget the outdoors – To control the amount of electricity that is used by your home’s exterior lighting, we strongly recommend you use motion sensors. These sensors can program your lights to go on and off as they are needed and will certainly help to keep your energy and utility costs down.

These simple but practical tips can contribute to reduced utility bills, save energy, and help to save you money as well. For more information on how you can minimize energy usage reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the highest quality electrical products and services this side of Franklin.