Whether you own a home or manage a commercial building, an unexpectedly high electric bill can definitely put a damper on your day (or your entire month). However, there are many ways you can cut back on energy usage and put a couple of bucks back in your pocket — and over time, those savings can really add up! 

Do you break out in hives thinking about your energy bills? Try these six electrician-approved techniques at your home or business to save money.

Pull the Plug

Have you had that toaster oven or microwave plugged in for weeks even though you haven’t used it in just as long? Leaving appliances plugged in utilizes electricity even when the appliances are off, so make sure to unplug anything you don’t regularly use — especially if you notice an electrical burning smell. To make this process easier, consider investing in grounded power strips with switches you can turn off and on. This allows you to control multiple appliances at the same time.

Even though HVAC systems don’t always plug into wall outlets where you can see them, they’re also a common drain on energy. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that half of the average household’s energy usage comes from heating and cooling. So rather than pulling the plug on these units, invest in a programmable thermostat to monitor energy usage and switch systems to “low” or “off” as appropriate when the building is vacant. After all, there’s no reason to run up the heating bill when nobody is there!

Rethink Your Lighting

One simple way to reap some energy savings is to rethink your property’s lighting. Let in natural light in order to brighten up the space during the day so that you don’t have to turn on as many lamps or overhead lights. In the evening or in windowless spaces, use LED lighting rather than traditional light bulbs. LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient, offering significant energy savings compared to traditional bulbs.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Hot water heaters, washing machines, and other appliances have come a long way in just the past decade — and the improvements they’ve undergone include a significant boost in energy efficiency. Something as simple as heating the water in your ancient water heater can use an alarming amount of electricity, so if your appliances are almost as old as you are, it’s high time for a replacement. Look for Energy Star-rated products or set up an appointment with our electricians anytime to learn more about the best energy-efficient appliances for your home or business.

Insulate Your Space Efficiently

If you’re spending a fortune on utility bills, your HVAC system may not be performing properly. First, make sure your system is actually up to snuff by having a qualified HVAC company take a look at your unit. If nothing’s wrong with the system, you can still reduce your home energy usage by insulating effectively. Air leaks around windows and doors let the warm or cold air escape, overworking your comfort systems and making everyone in the building uncomfortable. 

Try these insulation improvement tricks:

• Replace single-pane windows with double or triple-pane glass for better insulation.
• Add weather stripping and caulking around window frames, doors, and other exposed areas to reduce air leakage.
• Use curtains or blinds to keep the sun’s heat out during the day and trap warm air inside at night.
• Invest in insulation materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, or polyurethane foam for walls and attic spaces.

Enhance Your Electrical Panel

It’s always good to keep an eye on your monthly electric bills — not just for financial reasons but for the sake of safety and performance as well. Your use of energy can be a big indicator of potential problems with your electrical system. If your electric bills seem to be constantly on the rise even after you’ve taken steps to decrease your energy usage, your electrical panel might need an upgrade. Speak with our friendly electricians today, and we’ll elevate your system to the next level!

For Excellent Service, Call on EP Electric LLC!

Need help conserving energy, upgrading your electrical system, or dealing with an electrical emergency? The licensed and insured experts at EP Electric LLC serve all types of electrical systems throughout the Philadelphia area, from small residential homes to large commercial buildings. To book service with our crew, give us a call today or schedule an appointment online. We’re looking forward to helping you save money and energy!