Energy costs are rising, and if your last electric bill came to you by surprise, it’s time to look for ways to save. Some things will have a bigger impact than others, so it’s important to make smart changes that will result in significant savings. The electricians at Walters, Inc., in Ellsworth, WI, recommend homeowners make the following changes to lower their energy bills.

3 Steps to Reduce Your Electric Consumption & Save Money

1. Install Energy Star Appliances

If you’re remodeling your home, this is the time to upgrade your appliances. Look for those with the Energy Star® label, which indicates they meet the energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. These appliances can cut your energy bills by as much as 30 percent. If you aren’t remodeling, upgrading a single machine can result in significant savings.

2. Keep Up With Maintenance

If you can’t upgrade your appliances to energy efficient models, keeping up with their maintenance can keep energy costs lower and help them last longer. For dryers, clean the lint screen after every load and clean the dryer vent one to two times per year. Change your furnace filter every month, depending on the model. Keep your AC unit free of dirt and debris and give it some shade if it sits in the sun, as the heat makes it work harder.

3. Remember the Small Stuff

Small changes can have a big impact, too. For example, changing your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can result in up to 75 percent less energy used and they can last 6-15 times as long. If you can’t afford to swap out all the bulbs in your home for CFLs, start with the ones most frequently used. Electronics are another major energy user, particularly when they’re turned off. Consider plugging electronics into a power strip so you can easily turn them off. Otherwise, unplug them individually in between uses.

Although some of the items on this list are easy to DIY, others require the expertise of an electrician. Walters, Inc. can perform AC installations and repairs, plus a range of other HVAC services to keep your system running as efficiently as possible. To learn even more ways to cut your energy bills, consult with their skilled electricians and plumbers. Call them at (715) 792-5336 to request an estimate. Like them on Facebook for tips, updates, and more.