People don’t really care about the running electrical appliances or lights they leave on when these are not in use until they get a surprising electricity bill. If you add the cost of electricity bills for the year, you will be surprised to know how much extra you are spending on utility bills.

Tips for Saving Money on Electricity

You can save hundreds of dollars on electricity in the long run by using electrical gadgets smartly and efficiently. In this post, we have shared a few simple hacks for homeowners looking to reduce their utility bills. Let’s take a look:

Perform an Electricity Audit

Go through different electrical appliances in your home and look over at the current electricity usage. You can also call a professional electrician for an audit. Tell them what your goals are, how much you want to save on electricity and your current bills. They will inspect your house for leaks, insulation problems, and other issues that might be raising your utility bills.

A smart meter gives you a visual display of your total electricity usage and how much the electricity is costing you. Based on this data, you can find the areas where you can cut down the electricity cost. Now that you know how much electricity you are using every day, it will be easier to know which appliances must be replaced or what steps you can take to lower your electricity usage.

Unplug the Electrical Appliance that is not in Use

It’s a no-brainer, but it is surprising to know that a large number of people still leave their fans, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances plugged in when they are not home.  Think about the last time you used the DVD player or the old TV in your storeroom. Americans spend a considerable amount of money on appliances that aren’t in use but are left plugged into the outlet. Note that these appliances waste electricity by utilizing standby power (even if you are not using them).

Use Energy-efficient Appliances

Not everyone has a budget for solar panels, but if you can afford the upfront cost, a solar panel will be your best investment. It pays for itself in 2-3 years of installation. If that sounds too expensive, consider small investments. For instance, you can compare the energy efficiency rating of a washing machine, hairdryer, lights, and other appliances before making a purchase.

Some companies tell you the annual cost of running an electrical appliance, giving you a better idea of how much you will be spending on the product. It’s worth paying extra for energy-efficient items than buying cheap products that cost hundreds of dollars on energy bills.

Switch to LED Bulbs

Most homeowners buy incandescent bulbs because of their lower upfront cost. These bulbs are affordable and cheaper than LEDs, so people don’t think twice before buying them. However, if we see the long-term benefits, LED bulbs will result in considerable savings in the future. LEDs consume almost 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. This might not make a notable difference for small homeowners with 1-2 bulbs. But, if you have a large family, you might need 7-10 bulbs.

First of all, LED bulbs are designed to last up to 25,000 hours and longer. Incandescent, on the other hand, lasts 750 hours maximum. Think about how many incandescent bulbs you are going to need over the course of an LED’s lifespan. Add to this the extra you pay for the sky-high electricity bills. These are the reasons people are switching to LED bulbs, even if that means a high upfront cost.

Use Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat enables you to control your heating appliances remotely using your tablet or smartphone. This has become a necessity in today’s digital world when nearly every heating appliance comes with digital mode. In fact, some models come with a weather forecast feature, which reads the current weather and adjusts the heating temperature accordingly. These are much better and more efficient than traditional heating control devices, which are to be turned off manually.

With a smart thermostat, you don’t have to remember to adjust the temperature of the heating device morning and night. As mentioned before, the device adjusts the temperature based on current weather or your pre-programmed settings. Plus, these are not expensive. The cheapest model comes at as low as $20.

Replace Air Filters

It might seem inconvenient and a little difficult to replace your air filters every few months. But, if you are willing to make this small investment, it can save you a significant amount in the long run. Your HVAC units tend to run more efficiently when you replace the air filters regularly.

Check for Air Leaks

Do you notice the air coming in through your entrance door or windows on a windy day? Do you hear the whistling sound coming from your windows? See if the doors seal shut? These little things might not look important, but they can make a big difference to your energy bills. Ask people who live in places that receive scorching weather and extreme temperatures throughout the year. Even a small crack in your windows or doors can let the hot air in and the cool air out the door. There could also be a leak in the air ducts and plumbing areas. These problems can cost you a lot of money on energy bills.

Call Electricians for Inspection and Repairs

Electricity repairs and maintenance are not something you can DIY. Let professional electricians handle the job. If you are getting ridiculously high bills every month, there must be a problem with insulation and other electrical components. Only a professional can inspect your home thoroughly. Similarly, you should call a professional if your electrical appliances or wiring needs repair services. The sooner you call electricians, the more efficiently your electrical system works, and the less you pay for energy bills.

Call professional electricals on tel: +1 780-476-1413 and schedule electrical inspection or repair services. Follow the above tips for saving money on your energy bills.