6 Ways to Save On Home Electric Bills

In today’s economy, every penny counts. Homeowners are often looking for simple ways to save on their electric bills each month. Luckily, there are a handful of easy changes homeowners can make to save a few dollars.

If you want to stop spending so much on electricity, you’ve come to the right place. From cleaning your refrigerator’s coils to upgrading your home’s wiring, these tips will help you save money in the long run.

1) Clean Your Refrigerator’s Coils

While cleaning your fridge isn’t the most fun task, it’s essential for both safety and energy efficiency. Your fridge’s condenser coils and evaporator coils can get soiled by dirt, dust, and hair over time.

Condenser coils are typically located on the back of the refrigerator, and evaporator coils are inside the unit. When there’s a barrier of dust or grime on the coils, your fridge works harder to maintain the desired temperature, therefore using more energy.

Follow these directions to clean your fridge’s coils for decreased energy consumption:

Unplug the fridge from its power source or turn off the circuit breaker
Access the coils
Vacuum away dust and dirt
Clean the panel and surrounding area
Reassemble and plug in/turn on the circuit breaker

2) Adjust the Water Heater

Your water heater may be costing you money unnecessarily. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your water heater can waste from $36 to $61 annually if set too high. Some manufacturers set water heaters to 140ºF, while most homes only need it to be around 120ºF. By lowering your water heater’s temperature, you can save 4% to 22% annually. Before adjusting the temperature, consult your water heater’s manual for instructions on how to operate the thermostat.

3) Adjust Your Ceiling Fans for Efficiency

The direction of your ceiling fans can impact energy efficiency and climate control, especially during different seasons. During summer, set your fans to rotate counterclockwise to create a downdraft effect. This reduces reliance on air conditioning and helps maintain cooler temperatures.

In the winter, you should reverse the rotation clockwise to facilitate an updraft. This pulls warm air upward so it can be redistributed evenly along the walls. Minimize cold spots and optimize your heating system’s efficiency by switching direction. This is a simple method for enhancing overall energy efficiency and saving on utility costs.

4) Switch to LED Lightbulbs

If you haven’t already, it’s time to switch to LED lightbulbs in your home. Residential LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. LED lightbulbs are significantly different from incandescent or CFL.

The light source of an LED is the size of a fleck of pepper and can emit light in a specific direction, making it efficient for recessed and task lighting. Additionally, LEDs emit much less heat than incandescent and CFL options. Lastly, LED lighting’s lifespan is considerably longer than other types of lighting. Switching to LEDs at home is one of the best ways to save on your energy bill.

5) Rethink Your Thermostat

Smart thermostats help you save on energy costs by automatically adjusting heating and cooling based on your habits. ENERGY STAR estimates they can reduce your annual heating and cooling bills by about 8%, thanks to programmable schedules and remote control features.

6) Consider Upgrading Your Home’s Wiring

If you’re experiencing frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, and increased energy bills, it may be time to rewire your home. Updating your home’s electrical system significantly impacts your monthly electric bill. Taking action now can prevent safety hazards down the road.

A home should be assessed if it was built prior to the 1990s. It may need upgrades to improve efficiency, such as switching from copper wiring to aluminum. Always work with a licensed electrician to inspect your home’s electrical system.

Connect with Trusted Residential Electricians in Oregon & SW Washington

If you’re looking to improve energy efficiency or upgrade your home’s wiring, the professionals at Powering Pacific Northwest can help. Our electrical professionals are licensed and bonded, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands. They are skilled in residential electrical work and can help improve the energy efficiency of your home so you can save money on utilities.

Check out this blog for even more energy-saving tips from PPNW, or contact us today to find a contractor.

Pro Tip: Electrical work from Craigslist, TaskRabbit, or DIY attempts can lead to fire hazards and expensive repairs. Get details on why a licensed electrician is the smarter choice.