A simple way to reduce your electrical costs is to replace all of your incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs). CFLs, which are characterized by their spiral appearance, are available in many shapes and styles. They may cost a little more up front, but their lifespan is 10 times greater than your standard incandescent bulb.
By switching to CFL bulbs, you will start saving on your electric bill. Believe it or not, lighting accounts for up to 20% of the average electrical bill. CFL bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs, which can make a quick dent in your otherwise rising bills.
Believe it or not, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes if each house in America replaced a single incandescent bulb with a CFL. Furthermore, switching to CFLs could reduce greenhouse gases equalling the emissions of 800,000 cars. Mercury emissions from CFLs are also just 1/5th of that of incandescent bulbs.
For more information about saving energy by using CFLs, click here.
By installing dimmers to your lights, you will have the ability to control the amount of energy you use with each light fixture. Our team can help you install many different types of lighting controls, including dimmers, timers, motion detectors and photocells that can help you control exactly when and why your lights turn on and off. Give us a call if you’d like to talk about ways to reduce your emissions, save money, and save energy.
Have a programmable thermostat installed. This will help you keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, without having to change the thermostat yourself. You will also have the ability you to control your temperature when you are away.
Consider replacing your old appliances (such as furnaces, air conditioners, dishwashers, and more) with newer models that are Energy Star certified. These are held to strict energy standards, and switching to them can reduce your electric bill by 25%.
Don’t use the heat dry on your dishwasher. Air dry instead.
When you are not using your computer, turn it off.
Plug all of your electronics into power strips so that you can conveniently shut them off whenever they are not in use. This will help you reduce the amount of “Standby” power that they are using.
Adjust the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees.
Only use your dish washer and washing machine once you have a full load.
Don’t take baths. Take short showers instead.
Avoid driving aggressively. This wastes gasoline.
For more ideas on saving energy, visit www.energysavers.gov.