When you aim to reduce electricity bill, you must first have an energy audit.
How Can Energy Audit Help Reduce Electricity Bill?
All these save electricity pictures by the government aim to build awareness of conserving energy. However, we may not always know how to save power. The energy efficiency can also be obtained via an energy audit.
In some countries, your electric supply company will offer free energy audit. This audit will let you know the main appliances using the most electricity in your home. However, if you do not have any such facility available in your area, you don’t need to worry about it. Many private organizations provide services to conduct an energy audit of your home. The energy audit will help you determine the areas in your home where you can save electricity.
Some tips to help you know how to save electricity.
Install and Use Ceiling Fans
One way to reduce electricity bill is to use ceiling fans. The ceiling fans reduce your reliance on air conditioners. Therefore, you can save a good amount of money spent on air conditioners. The ceiling fan will help circulate air, so it also makes the air conditioner more efficient in cooling the room.
Avoid Using Washing Machine and Washer Dryer
Whenever possible, try to wash clothes by hand. You will be able to conserve a lot of energy. Similarly, try to use a line to dry your clothes. A washer dryer also adds a lot to your energy bill.
Switch to LED Lights in Your Home
LEDs radiate the latest in light technology. They consume around 90 percent less energy when compared to the incandescent bulbs. Therefore, if your house has a lot of bulbs, try to replace them with LEDs. You will be able to materialize massive savings by using the LED lights.
Use Curtains to Protect Your Home’s Interior from Sunlight
Sunlight is one of the major factors for heating a home in summers. Therefore, use dark curtains to keep the sunlight out of your rooms. This way you will be able to reduce the heat generated because of direct sunlight exposure.
Opt for Yearly HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system also consumes a lot of energy. You can reduce electricity bill through regular maintenance of your HVAC system. Furthermore, it will also blow in cleaner air, saving you from harmful bacteria in the air. Also, regularly change your air conditioner filter as per the instructions to ensure it runs at maximum efficiency.
Switch Appliances Off During Peak Hours
Every electric company gives a schedule of peak and off-peak hours. The consumption of electricity during peak hours is billed differently from the off-peak hours. There are some tasks you can do any time of the day. So try to do all your tasks involving electricity during off-peak hours to reduce your electricity bill.
Hybrid Gas Heaters
Plain electric heaters cost a lot of money to operate. However, the use of dual-fuel heaters can help save money on the bill. They can keep your house warm in icy weather conditions. They also prove to be a great return on your investment.
New Technology Air Conditioners
The use of air conditioners can become inevitable in hot summers. Therefore, you must think of buying the new inverter air conditioner. The advancement in technology and use of AC lets the motor operate at different speeds. Thus, it helps reduce the electricity bill.
Do Not Keep Electrical Appliance in Standby Mode
You might think that it is OK to leave your appliances switched on all the time. However, the devices on standby mode keep on drawing power from the source. One way to save on energy bill is to unplug appliances, not in use.
Settings for Water Heater Timer
Water heaters also consume power. You need to make sure that the settings help you save on electricity bill. Configure your water heater timer’s settings in a way that it does not waste energy. So your water heater only needs power when you need it.
Life of a Furnace Filter
Your HVAC system also needs a sigh of relief. The choking of furnace filter can create problems for HVAC system, making it difficult to perform efficiently. Make sure that you get your furnace filter checked upon scheduled maintenance. The regular cleaning of furnace filter will help you save money on power and clean any allergens or harmful dust particles in it.
Energy Star Ratings
Energy star ratings show that an appliance will save you on power. The energy star rating ensures that the product you are buying is complying with the energy efficiency standards. Some of the high-power consuming devices that may have energy star ratings include refrigerators, water heaters, dishwashers, room air conditioners, freezers, dehumidifiers, and vent hoods.
Use Smart Electric Switches
One way of saving electricity costs is the use of smart switches. If you regularly go outside your room, the smart switch will turn off the lights in your room. By installing smart switches, you are eliminating the possibility of leaving your lights turned on.
