Homeowners are becoming more concerned about their electrical bills as energy prices keep rising. You can always make a few practical changes to minimize your energy uses. Here are four tips you should consider.
1. Utilize Task Lighting for Better Illumination
Task lighting is a fixture that focuses the light on a specific work surface. Ceiling lights, on the other hand, spread the illumination across a wide area. As a result, they waste a lot of energy while providing poor lighting in your home.
You can utilize portable table lamps and under-the-counter lights in the living room and kitchen. Statistics suggest you can save up to 50% of the electrical energy you use in your home.
2. Replace Old Bulbs With LED Lights
Incandescent lights may be the cheapest in the market, but they consume much more energy than LED lights. While LEDs have a higher initial cost, they last 25 times longer and are 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
LED lights are also more efficient and last three to five times longer than CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) bulbs. LEDs produce less heat, preventing unnecessary heat gain in the room that could increase energy consumption.
LEDs have also become more affordable as they become more widely available in the market. You can find replacements for 45-, 60-, or 100-watt incandescent bulbs. Consult a local electrical company like Secure Contractors for energy-efficient indoor lighting options for your El Paso home.
3. Take Advantage of the Off-Peak Hours Tariff
You can also reduce your energy bills by using power during off-peak hours. On-peak hours start from mid-day to 6 p.m. on weekdays from June to September. The rest of the hours are off-peak with a lower service rate.
For example, you can plan to do laundry past 7 p.m. or before midday. However, you may have to sign up for the Time-Of-Day Tariff with your local power company. If you don’t see any improvement in energy savings, you can always opt out of the program.
4. Install Efficient, Smart Systems to Reduce Energy Wastage
If you have old, inefficient appliances like fridges and water heaters, consider replacing them with Energy Star-rated appliances. Energy Star appliances have been certified as more efficient and require less energy than regular electronics.
Also, consider installing Smart bulbs with motion sensors, especially for homes with multiple occupants. The motion detectors will switch off the lights when no one is in the room.
You can have Smart systems for your outdoor lights to switch on when it detects movement on your lawn. That way, you will not only save energy but can also enhance security by giving the impression someone is home.
Adjustments to reduce electrical energy consumption in your home should not be an expensive project. Simple changes like upgrading your light bulbs can reduce your electricity bill. Contact Secure Contractors today for honest and upfront pricing for electrical services in El Paso, TX.