Electrical Solutions LLC

No-cost Tips for Saving Energy and Money

Contrary to popular opinion, you sometimes get more than you pay for. The following energy-saving tips won’t cost you a penny—but they can save you bucks on your energy bills.

• Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
  Keep your home at 78 degrees in the summer, or at the warmest temperature that is comfortable for you.
  
  
• When leaving home for more than 4 hours raise the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees in summer and lower it 5 to 10 degrees in winter. Do the same at night before going to bed.
  
  
• Close south-, east-, and west-facing curtains during the day to keep out solar heat during the summer.
  
  
• Clean the coils at the back of your refrigerator twice a year.
  
  
• Only heat and cool rooms you use; close vents and doors to rooms that are not being used.
  
  
• Keep windows closed and shades down when air conditioning is on.
  
  
• Check and clean air conditioning filters monthly and replace as needed.
  
  
• Unplug electric chargers, televisions and audio/video equipment when not in use (or plug them into a power strip you can turn off and on). These devices use electricity even when they are not in use.
• Turn off your computer or put it in ”sleep” mode when it is not being used.
  
  
• Run energy-intensive appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer at night. The heat produced by these appliances will not need to be offset by your air conditioner during the day.
  Wait till you have a full load to run the dishwasher and clothes washer and use cold water when possible.
  
  
• Keep lamps and televisions away from the thermostat. The heat they generate will cause your air conditioner to work harder. If you’re running an old refrigerator in your basement that isn’t being used, unplug it. Old refrigerators can use three times the electricity of modern ones.
  
  

   

Remember the Four R’s

Have you ever had a friend turn against you and become an enemy? It can really hurt. Electricity is a great friend, but it can hurt, too, if you don’t treat it with respect.

During May, observe National Electrical Safety Month by reminding everyone about the four R’s of electrical safety:

• Respect the power of electricity;
  
  
• Read and follow the operating instructions that come with every electrical product;
  
  
• Replace worn or frayed electrical cords; and
  
  
• Relocate appliance cords so they won’t get walked on and children can’t pull them.