Taking steps to reduce your monthly electric bill not only saves you money, it contributes to a greener, healthier planet. Electricians know that there are many outstanding ways to decrease energy consumption without compromising your home’s comfort level or functionality. Use these tips to start lowering your energy costs now. 

Top 5 Ways to Lower Your Electric Costs

1. Install Ceiling Fans

Install ceiling fans or use the ones you have to circulate the air in your home. Your HVAC system will not have to work as hard when you use ceiling fans, which by themselves use very little energy. 

2. Insulate Your Attic

Insulate your attic to avoid losing heat during the winter. Hot air rises and quickly escapes uninsulated attics, causing your HVAC system to work overtime and boosting your monthly energy bills. An insulated attic also protects you from damaging and dangerous ice dams.

3. Unplug, Unplug, Unplug

Electricians recommend that you unplug unused appliances whenever possible to prevent phantom energy use. Appliances that are turned off but still plugged account for about 10% of annual home energy consumption. Help yourself remember to turn appliances off by investing in high-quality power strips that are easy to unplug. 

4. Consider Your Lighting

Make the most of windows in your home that allow natural light to pour in. Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lights to save even more energy, as they don’t require a lot of power to illuminate a space and last thousands of hours longer than standard bulbs. Talk to your electrician about installation. 

5. Avoid Heat Loss With Caulk

Further prevent heat loss with caulk and weatherstripping materials around all doors and windows, as hot air escapes through any gaps and cold winter winds will make a drafty home. Consider scheduling an energy audit with your local electricians to determine if there are any areas you missed or other parts of your home that you could make more efficient.
 

If you’re ready to improve the energy efficiency of your home, turn to North River Electric. These electricians provide the installations and maintenance home and business owners in the Roseburg and Douglas, OR, areas depend on. A family-run business since 1981, they offer eco-friendly services such as LED light and solar panel installations. Call (541) 673-0800 today to schedule an appointment or visit the website for more service information.