Everyone wishes that they could reduce their electricity/gas bill at the end of the month. While installing solar panels is the ideal way to reduce the amount of power you use and pay for, there are other small ways you can help the environment. If you have been interested in ways to improve the energy efficiency of your building, you definitely want to check out these six simple tips!
Update Your Light Bulbs
Many people still purchase the old incandescent light bulbs because that’s what they are used to and because they tend to be the least expensive option. However, making a simple change in your lamps and light fixtures can be significant. Look for packages of CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) or LED (Light-Emitting Diode) bulbs. They are a slightly larger initial investment, but they can last for years and dramatically reduce the amount of energy you’re using.
Replace Your Appliances
Every appliance is bound to wear out eventually. When it comes time to purchase a new refrigerator, oven, washer, and/or dryer, look for more efficient models. Experts recommend searching for appliances branded with the Energy Star Certification. Much like replacing your light bulbs, this is likely to be more expensive than their non-certified counterparts. Despite this initial investment, they will save you on your monthly utility bill because they are ultimately using less energy.
Change Your Thermostat Settings
Unless you are going to be home all day, you aren’t really receiving the benefits of allowing your air conditioner or furnace to run all day long. Remember to change the settings on your thermostat before you leave for work in the morning. Bump it up a few degrees in the summer and down a few degrees in the winter. This keeps your HVAC system from working so hard when no one is around to enjoy it. Installing a smart thermostat can also help you to automate this process.
Seal Your Windows
Your windows are a major source of air leaks. While it may be ideal to purchase all new windows that have a better efficiency rating, this can often be cost prohibitive. Instead, you can do something small to improve their efficiency – add weatherstripping around the frames or seal gaps around the edges of the frames with silicone caulk.
Unplug Unused Chargers
Do you keep your cell phone charger and television plugged in all the time? Even though they are not turned on, energy is still flowing to these devices as long as they are attached to an outlet. They siphon small amounts of energy, but every little bit adds up over the course of the month and year. Make sure to disconnect plugs if they are not currently in use.
Hiring Professionals
If you want to improve your energy efficiency, you can always talk with our experienced electrical contractors in Winnipeg and Manitoba. At Powertec Electric, we are all about helping you to improve the efficiency of your building and lower your overall costs. Give us a call today to see how we can help you!