For many families, utility bills can skyrocket as the seasons change. These increased monthly payments for electrical services can put stress on people and the environment. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the amount of energy your household needs. Below, the electricians at Hylton’s Electric Connection in Bluefield, WV, share a few lesser-known ways you can cut back on your energy use and save money.

Save Money and Energy With These 5 Tips From Professional Electricians

1. Cap Your Chimney

Many homes lose hundreds of dollars in heating and cooling bills each year when air escapes out their chimneys. Install a cap if you rarely use your fireplace, or use an inflatable chimney balloon or damper you can move when you want to light a fire.

2. Paint Your Roof

Do you live in a place that gets a lot of sun? Dark roofing materials can negatively impact your electric bill. Consider painting your roofing white with a thermo-reflective paint to reduce heat absorption.

3. Use Motion-Detecting Lights

It’s easy to forget and leave a light on when you exit a room or leave your home. Consider installing motion-detecting lighting that will go off when no one has moved for a specific amount of time. These handy tools can help reduce your electric bill each month.

4. Clean Dirty Dishes

Don’t place dirty dishes directly into the dishwasher. Rinse them off first instead. This way, they’re more likely to be fully clean when the wash cycle is over, reducing the amount of water and electricity you would need to run the same load twice.

5. Insulate Your Water Heater

Older water heaters can lose heat because they are not well insulated. Consult with a specialist on what material they suggest using to safely insulate your water heater. This trick can help your system stay warm and provide you with hot showers all year long.

Follow the tips above, and you’re likely to see a decrease in your monthly bill. To further save energy, consider installing newer, more efficient appliances and adjusting the temperature inside your home by a few degrees. For more information on how to limit your home energy use, call the electricians at Hylton’s Electric Connection at (304) 325-3101. Visit the website to learn about their residential and commercial electrical services.