If you’re in the same boat as most people in the U.S., you’ve spent the past several weeks of spring 2020 at home, avoiding public places or sheltering in place. More than likely, you’ve seen an increase in your utility bills, especially your electricity bill. After all, whenever you’re at home, you’re using at least one electronic or electrical appliance at any given time.
The good news is that whether you’re sheltering in place, staycationing, or working from home, there are multiple ways you can lower your electricity usage around the house. Check out these energy-saving ideas below!
Run efficient loads of laundry.
The first step is to do the laundry only when you have full loads to run. Next, adjust your washing machine to the “quick wash” setting and make sure that it is only running with cold water. Lastly, use racks so that your laundry can dry indoors, or line-dry it outside. Run items that tend to get wrinkly in the dryer for just a few minutes first to fluff them out.
Use your ceiling fans during hot and cold weather.
If your North Carolina home doesn’t have any ceiling fans, you could be missing out on some major energy savings. You can use your ceiling fans year-round to rely less on your heating and cooling system. A room will feel warmer in winter when its ceiling fan rotates clockwise. The same room will feel cooler in summer when its fan rotates counterclockwise.
Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR rated products — use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.” Not only will you get more energy-efficient lighting, but you also won’t have to replace the bulbs as often. Additionally, LEDs release significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs and CFLs, which can help keep your home cooler and safer.
Lower your tank water heater’s thermostat.
Your storage-tank water heater might be set to a higher temperature than it needs to be. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends setting your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce your risk of being scalded. This will also make a noticeably positive difference in your electricity bill if you own an electric water heater.
If you notice any abnormalities with your electrical system (flickering lights, humming noises, a burning smell, etc.), don’t wait to contact our dependable team of electricians. At CMC Electric, it’s our 100% satisfaction guarantee and full-service electrical capabilities that truly set us apart. Contact us online or give us a call at (919) 246-4798.
