Home utilities are one of the major parts of a home. One of the major utilities is electricity. Electric power is important to light up our homes and keep basic appliances like toasters, microwave ovens, fridge running. However, with the advent of newer technology and home appliances, it is also getting difficult to keep up with the electric bills by the end of the month. We can practice some easy steps to make sure that our electric bills are within the budget. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your electric bills.
When Lights Are Not in Use, Turn Them Off
This is one of the popular pieces of advice you will get if you want to reduce your electric bills. Turning off extra light bulbs in your home for an extra hour can have a huge impact on your electric bills. If you replace your 100 watt traditional light bulbs with LED bulbs you will also reduce a considerable amount of electricity consumption.
Make Use of Natural Light
If you are in the process of making a new home and want it to be energy efficient then you can consider having larger and more windows in your home. This will allow enough natural lighting and reduce the use of artificial lighting in your home. A conscious effort to keep 60-watt bulbs turned during the daytime will reduce your bills considerably.
Replace Ceiling Lights with Task Lights
A major part of our electric bills is because of the use of ceiling lights. Ceiling lights consume a lot of energy. However, you can replace them with a cost-effective option. Instead of having ceiling lights try having table lamps, track lights, lights under-counter in different parts of the home. Using lights when you have a task at hand instead of lighting up the entire room with ceiling lights will be a much cost-effective option.
Be Careful with Water Consumption
Water is a blessing. However, it is also a scarce resource for many. While you shave, brush, or wash your hands try turning the faucets off. This will conserve water so that it may be used by someone who is in need and also reduce your electric bills by a good amount.
If Appliances Are Not in Use Turn Them Off
Standby power has a major role to play in electricity usage. An approximately 10% of the electricity bill is composed of standby power. So a major chunk is involved. It is important to realize that appliances plugged into sockets even when not being used take up a lot of energy. If you make an effort consciously to unplug these devices and inculcate this habit in your family members your electric power costs will cut down significantly.
A Laptop Is a Better Choice than a Desktop Computer
A large number of the population has switched to laptops in the last few years however, some of us still use desktop computers. Laptop computers can be a better alternative as they consume less energy than a traditional desktop computer. You will see a tremendous decrease in your electric bills. Laptops have many other advantages than traditional desktop computers like they are portable and can be carried around easily.
The Air Conditioner Should Be Turned off before Leaving the Home
One of the major home appliances that take up a lot of power is an air conditioner. Most of us leave our air conditioners open before we head out to come back to a cool room. However, it may not be a very good idea if you are trying to curb your electric bills. It may actually cost you a lot. If you’re having trouble shutting your AC off and you find that it’s running constantly, then it’s best to have it fixed immediately by emergency ac repair Las Vegas to prevent further complications and unnecessary energy consumption.
Replace the Old Television
A modern LED consumes a lot less energy than an old television. An old TV will cost you considerably higher and so it is better to replace it. You may realize that the initial cost of getting an LED is higher than an old television but it will prove to be cost-effective in the long run.
Manage the Thermostat Effectively
Your electric bills may look significantly different if you know how to manage your thermostat effectively. If you set your thermostat at a temperature that is two degrees lesser than the normal temperature you may reduce your electric bills considerably. If you lower it 3 degrees it will be even more impactful reducing your bills for the year with a good amount.
Be Strategic with Windows
Placing your windows in a strategic manner around the house can have a major impact on your electric bills. You should also consider getting double glazing Bristol to make sure that your windows are providing proper insulation for your home.. This will reduce the need for an air conditioner and less electricity will be consumed. Similarly, you will get more natural light and will use less artificial light which will cut your electricity costs.
Do Laundry Carefully
One of the major home chores is doing laundry. Reducing the laundry to one load a week can cause a significant decrease in your electric bills. You may also want to switch from using hot water to cold water. A simple change in habits can be extremely beneficial in reducing your electric bills significantly. Here you can know about the Free Home Best Practices.
Final thoughts
A major part of our monthly budget is our electric bills. It is important that electricity is used wisely. It will also be helpful to know which electrical appliances consume the most electricity in our home. we can then minimize their use. A major part of our home are electrical appliances and it is therefore important that we protect them in circumstances like a power surge. First Energy Electric offers plans that may help prevent damage to your electrical appliances in case of a power surge.