In U.S. households, electricity accounts for a large portion of all utility costs. It is often the biggest household expense after financing the cost of the residence itself. For this reason, electrical systems are great targets for energy-efficiency improvements. Consider the following efficiency ideas to save some money in the coming years.
LED Lighting Systems
Older lighting systems like incandescent bulbs and CFLs are notable energy hogs in a household. With many lights spread through a home, switching to LED lights offers a chance to save approximately 75% compared to incandescent bulbs and 50% to CFLs.
Even better, LED lights require fewer replacements. Many models of LED lightbulbs can last 25,000 to 50,000 hours. This is compared to the 1,000 hours a typical incandescent bulb survives.
LED lighting also offers a sneaky energy-efficiency benefit. An LED light runs much cooler than an incandescent light, at a rate of 3.4 BTUs versus 85 BTUs. Especially if you see big electric bills from cooling your house during the summer, you might take the burden off the AC unit by putting in LED lights.
Modern LEDs are also dimmer-compliant in most cases. Dimming is another way to reduce consumption and heat while also creating a pleasant ambiance.
Energy Star Appliances
The federal government’s Energy Star program certifies systems that save energy. Certified refrigerators run about 10% more efficiently. You will also see certified washing machines that use at least 25% less electricity and 30% less water. For HVACs, the Energy Star benefit is at least an 8% savings. For most appliances, this means the savings will pay back the additional cost in about two to five years.
The Benefits of Smart Technologies
Integrating automation, monitoring, and safety into modern systems, smart technologies are major energy savers. Adding a smart thermostat to your house can save 10% to 20% on your heating and cooling bills by using learning algorithms. Installing outlets and switches with smart features reduces energy by detecting when there’s no draw and shutting off, reducing vampire draws by 5% to 10%.
Load monitoring systems built into smart electrical panels can provide data about when you use electricity the most. Especially if your utility company offers discounts for usage during off-peak hours, this data can help you run high-load systems more cost-effectively. For example, you might target your laundry routine for a time of day or week when the cost of electricity is cheapest.
Smart breakers also provide significant protection for electrical circuits. Similarly, they allow you to turn off the whole circuit when not in use, minimizing vampire draws from plugged-in devices. If you have a home office or a workshop, for example, you can set the smart breaker for that circuit to only be on during your work hours. Remote access also allows you to wirelessly connect with the breaker and switch the circuit on when you need it and off when you do not.
Electrical Panel and Wiring Upgrades
Especially if you have an older house, there is a good chance that the electrical panel and even the wiring may cost you unnecessary money every month. Decaying electrical infrastructure in a home can lead to increased energy draw as components try to overcome resistance. Problems like corrosion and loose sockets can raise the internal resistance of materials, leading to more energy consumption.
You should also consider AFCI and GFCI outlets on circuits. Not only do they provide enhanced safety, but they can also discourage energy losses as ground faults dissipate energy into the ground.
Properly sizing your home’s wiring also makes a difference. Voltage drops and energy waste can come from running the wrong gauge of wiring on a circuit relative to its consumption.
Older material types in electrical panels and wiring are also costly when it comes to energy. Some older houses have panels and wiring that use aluminum, a material that’s less conductive than copper. There are even some very old panels that use steel bus bars, which are more inefficient.
This is also a good time to think about circuit breakers. Damaged breakers often operate inefficiently. Our electricians can check if your home breakers are in good shape. Replacing them can frequently improve conductivity and save you money.
Electric Vehicle Charging
It might sound a little odd to add to your energy consumption in an attempt to save money, but the cost is offset by not paying for gas. Purchasing an electric vehicle and using at-home charging with a Level 2 system allows you to keep costs down. Especially if you opt for a smart charger to take advantage of off-peak rates, you can significantly reduce your monthly driving costs.
Notably, electric vehicles tend to have lower maintenance costs. They have fewer moving parts and no internal combustion, eliminating key factors that damage vehicles from within. Saving on repair bills by adding a bit to your electric bill may end up being a big win.
Investing In Efficient Fixtures
Devices like ceiling fans and range hoods are easy to overlook in your energy budget. However, their operating costs add up over time. Many newer models operate with more efficient motors. Especially if you’re looking at replacing such systems soon, check out the more efficient models.
Exploring Efficiency Incentives
Governments and even utility companies often offer incentives to more energy-efficient households. When you sit down with your accountant or tax preparer, explore some of the current tax incentives available at the federal, state, and local levels. Also, contact your utility provider to find out what incentives they might offer.
Many even have opt-in programs for adding smart features that connect your home’s electrical system to their servers. You can then program smart systems to run during the most cost-effective time and minimize use when electricity is more expensive.
Scheduling Routine Electrical Inspections
Scheduling regular electrical inspections is another good way to improve energy efficiency. Letting electrical systems go without routine repairs can lead to energy losses. Worse, these losses slowly creep up on you in many cases as components degrade with time.
Arrange an electrical inspection at least once every 5 years for an older house and at least once every 10 years for a house that’s less than 20 years old. Also, schedule an inspection after any major adverse event, such as a fire, an electrical surge, or a nearby lightning strike. Consider an inspection if there are signs of electrical problems, such as melted wires or frequent circuit breaker trips. In addition to major safety benefits, addressing these problems quickly can improve energy efficiency.
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric has served customers with pride since 1951. Our electricians are licensed and highly knowledgeable, and that’s why people in Buckley, WV, and the surrounding areas trust us.
We take on many types of electrical projects, including installations, repairs, and maintenance. Ask us about issues involving rewiring, switches and outlets, generators, EV charging, electrical panels, and surge protection. We even offer 24/7 emergency services. Specials are available, and customers can finance installations upon credit approval.
If you’re concerned about the energy efficiency of the electrical system in your Buckley home, contact Childers Air Plumbing & Electric today.
