Sometimes consumers unintentionally damage or neglect their electric infrastructure. To prevent “operator error” make the following seasonal electrical adjustments to your appliances in the summer months.
Keep It Cool
Did you know that on average, 40 percent of your electric bill comes from using your air conditioning? As such, running the electric in your HVAC can put pressure on your system. Here are a few ways you can make improvements to save you money, while gaining efficiency.
- Change your air filters
- Call to schedule an annual cleaning and maintenance check
- Check for any air leaks in your home or ducts
- Adjust your thermostat to be 85 degrees when you’re out of the house
- Purchase a modern thermostat with customizable settings
Check Your ‘Fridge
It’s no surprise that your refrigerator requires a great deal of power and electricity to keep all of your food chilled or frozen in the heat of summer. A few ways to reduce energy consumption with this appliance include…
- Cleaning any food or debris build up on the seals of the doors
- Keeping temperatures below 40°F in the refrigerator and 5°F in the freezer
Less Hot Water = Less $
Your water heater is also the culprit when it comes to high energy bills. The more hot water you use and the hotter you require the water to be, the more your electrical system will run. Here’s a tip, keep your water heater temperature at or below 120°F.
- Check to see if your tank is insulated.
- Conserve water by taking a shower and not a bath.
- Keep the hot water heater off when it’s not in use.
Air Dry
Another way to save on your everyday electricity usage is by hanging your clothes outside instead of using your dryer. Your clothes dryer is actually second in line behind your refrigerator when it comes to energy-consumption.
Grill > Oven
The last thing you want to do is add more heat to your house by cooking in the oven or on the stove. Save your air conditioner and electrical system from working overtime by preparing your meals on your outdoor grill.
Turn Off or Unplug
When you leave the room, turn off the lights. If you’ve finished using electronics such as your computer or cell phone, shut them down. Lighting in your home accounts for 12% of your energy costs. Electricity to power your digital devices can be another 15%. Also be sure to turn off any items in your home with a power adaptor, indicator light, standby function, or clock. Power strips can come in handy for these items so you can switch them on and off simultaneously. How convenient (Source: Mr. Electric)! Hopefully these Electrical Adjustments will help you.
Is your electrical system feeling the stress of summer? Contact CK Electric today!