How Can I Reduce my Energy Bill?

01 Apr How Can I Reduce my Energy Bill?

Kingsport, TN

Energy costs, along with many other household expenses, have skyrocketed recently. Looking for relief, people are finding ways to make cuts in their budgets, and they often look first at one of their more expensive utility bills: energy. Our licensed electricians in Bristol share on the blog today four small-but-significant changes that can add up, helping you conserve both energy and money.

Run large appliances only when full

It may be tempting to wash a half-load of dishes or clothes if, for instance, you don’t want dirty dishes sitting overnight. But whether you’re washing a full load or less, your large appliance will use the same amount of energy. Make sure your dishwasher, washer, and dryer are full before hitting the start button. On the subject of dishwashers: did you know that manually cleaning your dishes requires more energy than running one load in the dishwasher? That’s because of the energy required to heat water. One cycle in the dishwasher requires less hot water than hand washing.

Limit hot water use

Heating water requires a lot of energy in the washing machine, too. Save energy and money by washing your clothes in cold water. Contrary to popular belief, clothes can get clean in cold water; detergents are designed to clean clothes even when the water is not hot. While you’re cutting down on the use of energy to heat water, our Johnson City licensed electricians recommend lowering the resting temperature of your hot water heater. Many heaters’ settings are preset at 140 degrees, but the Department of Energy’s recommendation is 120.

Regularly change air filters

If your air filters are clogged with dirt and dust, then your home is using more energy than necessary to push air through your ductwork. Your HVAC system runs much more efficiently with clean filters. Set a reminder: low-cost filters should be changed once a month, while higher-quality filters can last up to three months before needing to be replaced.

Adjust temperatures when you won’t be home

Heating and cooling account for almost half of a household’s overall utility bill. Our licensed electricians in Kingsport suggest either turning off the heat/AC or at least adjusting it when you won’t be home. Newer thermostats make this easy by allowing you to set your ideal temperatures for times when you’ll be home. If you have an older HVAC unit, manually adjust the thermostat as you leave and return home.

Licensed Electricians in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

Small, consistent changes can add up to big cost savings on your energy bill. If you make these changes and are still struggling with your power bill, call our licensed electricians in the Tri-cities area at Thompson Electrical Service. We provide professional assistance to help you pinpoint problems and decide on solutions. Call our office at (423) 343-5726, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.