Residential Electric, Residential Services
Winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean you have to fork out more money on electricity bills. Check out our latest blog where our experienced electricians will go over our top tips for mindful consumption. From usage habits to energy efficient equipment and systems, we’ve got you covered. Read on!
Winter is coming, and with it rising energy costs as we try to keep our homes warm and cozy. As temperatures drop, many homeowners find themselves struggling with skyrocketing electricity bills. But you don’t have to let the cold weather drain your wallet!
In this guide, the friendly, knowledgeable team at 4-Star Electric will explore practical solutions to help lower electricity bills this season. Ensuring your home stays warm and well lit, without breaking the bank.
Assessing Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
The first step to helping reduce electricity costs over the next few months is by conducting a DIY energy usage audit. This audit is a straightforward process that will provide valuable insight into not only your usage habits, but where your home might be wasting energy.
Begin by walking through your home and taking note of the areas where energy might be lost such as drafty doors and windows, poor attic insulation and outdated appliances.
And don’t forget to review your lighting as well, we are an electric company after all! Do you have incandescent bulbs installed, are they on timers, do you often keep all rooms lit at one time?
Finally, keep an eye on your utility bills to identify patterns. High spikes in usage may indicate a hidden problem.
In addition to your DIY detective work, you can also call in the electricians at 4-Star Electric to conduct a thorough residential electrical inspection.
Our team will look at your electrical fixtures, your electrical panel and inspect your wiring to ensure reliability and efficiency! It’s also a great way to identify potential safety hazards.
How To Lower Electricity Bills
Based on the results of your DIY or professional audit, here are some easy tips you can use to start saving some pennies today!
Seal & Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation is one of most crucial, and often overlooked factors in maintaining energy efficiency. Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow, helping keep warm air inside during the winter. Without it your electric furnace, or other electric heating systems have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which causes your energy usage and costs to spike!
Consider adding or replacing insulation in problem areas such as your attic, garage or around doors to help keep those electricity bills low! And check and improve seals around your windows for an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Upgrade To Energy Efficient Appliances & Systems
Another great way to ensure you’re not shocked by utility costs every winter, is by upgrading and maintaining high-efficiency appliances such as electric heat pumps or furnaces.
An electric heat pump is one of the most popular electric heating options on the market today. They work by extracting heat from the surrounding air and moving it evenly throughout your home. Even on the chilliest of Alberta winter days, it can pull in warm air.
Electric furnaces are another great option! They work just like your traditional gas furnace, by heating the air and distributing it throughout your home via a blower motor and your home’s duct system. But instead of a pilot light and natural gas, it uses a series of electric heating elements.
It’s important to remember that you can’t just install this high-efficiency equipment and hope for the best. It requires regular maintenance to maintain efficiency and we even recommend installing a whole-home surge protector or upgrading your electrical panel to help protect against possible electrical damage.
Regulating power supply is the key to home comfort, safety and efficiency, and we’re the Calgary leader in whole-home protection! We install only the highest quality surge protection equipment to help protect your furnace, heat pump, electronics and other appliances. We also specialize in panel upgrades to ensure your home is better prepared to meet electrical demands, as efficiently as possible.
Smart Technology
Smart Thermostats
Introducing smart thermostats! A convenient and powerful way to reduce electricity costs. They allow you to control your home’s temperature and comfort levels remotely, and they learn your schedule and habits to adjust heating and cooling when you’re not home.
These thermostats also provide monthly usage reports that when combined with your monthly utility bills can help you better identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches are a simple way to help reduce electricity usage by allowing you to adjust the brightness of your lights to suit your needs.
During the winter months, when daylight is limited, lights are used more frequently, and these switches can contribute to energy savings by reducing the amount of electricity your lighting consumes. Plus they help create a cozy, welcoming environment, which is always nice to come home too.
LED Lights
At 4-Star Electric, we talk a lot about our love for LED bulbs, they’ve truly changed the game when it comes to the way we light our homes.
They offer amazing energy efficiency, consuming up to 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs, plus they have a much longer lifespan.
If you’re interested in making the switch to any of these electrically savvy equipment options, give us a call! We’re proud to offer top-notch residential electrical services through Calgary and the surrounding areas. We also offer transparent, upfront pricing, experienced and trusted electricians and an industry-leading 100% satisfaction guarantee. Get the installation service you deserve today, and start saving money tomorrow!
Mindful Consumption - The Final Frontier
Small behavioral changes can make a big difference in the effort to lower electricity bills this season. Simple steps such as lowering your thermostat a couple degrees, reducing electricity consumption during peak hours, installing efficient equipment options, and even just remembering to turn off the lights when you leave the room will go a long way.
Don’t let worrying about electricity costs take the joy out of all winter has to offer. Contact the friendly team at 4-Star Electric today!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need an electrical inspection?
Regular electrical inspections are recommended if you live in an older home, your lights are continuously flickering, your outlets are warm or you smell burning, or if you’ve noticed significant spikes in your energy bills. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
Is a whole-home surge protector expensive?
A whole-home surge protector is typically more costly than a point of use protector, but ultimately can save you money in the long run. In addition to potential discounts through your insurance company, a professional install can help protect your appliances for severe damage and associated costs.
Do LED lights help save money?
While LEDs can be more expensive up front, they do help save money over time due to their high efficiency and longevity.
Are LED lights dimmable?
Yes, many LED options can be equipped with dimmer switches.
