Some great people have more heart than money. They are working hard to make energy conservation a reality for our planet and country. You don’t have to be a Peace Corps volunteer to care about energy savings. Arizona property owners are always seeking proven ways to save electricity.
5 Ways To Save Electricity
“Even people who could care less about carbon footprints care about saving money.” –Chad, CEO
Some ways to save electricity don’t change: Switching to LED lightbulbs saves energy. Then, turn off the lights when not in use. The Turn It On Electric team has researched many ways to save electricity.
Keep in mind, this is more than a way to earn bragging rights. Do the math. Your upfront investment must justify the long-term savings.
These are 5 proven standouts:
- Air-dried clothing – This is something that is entirely possible in Arizona. The savings is about $50/year. Practitioners of this old-fashioned art say the value in getting a bit of outdoor exercise is priceless. (Washing clothes at night is helpful.)
- Clean energy – Find ways to use alternative power sources as it might save energy and money. First, shop for lower electric service prices. Be sure to read the fine print. One of the most expensive electric companies in Maryland claimed to be the cheapest. In 2018, many homeowners switched before discovering the kilowatt add-ons. Massachusetts homeowners switch to a money-saving alternative company. They paid about $226 more/year between 2015-2017. “Green or clean power is cheaper than fossil fuels and has been for a while,” says one consumer advisor, “Lower monthly costs and cleaner energy should go hand in hand.”
- Dimmer switches – Technology has made newer versions of dimmer switches that effectively reduce energy usage. Be sure to partner with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified electrician in Phoenix.
- Lower water heater, raise refrigerator temperatures – Check your dishwasher’s settings before you do this: Dropping your water heater from 140° to 120° saves up to 22% in standby/water demand loss. (If you have chronically ill family members don’t do this at all.)
For the fridge, try the thermometer test: Put a glass of water in the fridge overnight. The next morning, take its temperature. It should be between 37°-40°. Anything colder wastes energy and sometimes accidentally freezes refrigerated foods. - Smart power strips – The on-standby but plugged-in appliances and devices in your house are energy hogs. But unplugging all standby electronics isn’t reasonable or even sensible. A smart power strip can tell when an appliance or device – a printer, your home computer, etc. – is on standby. It blocks electricity from being routed to standby electronics.
Don’t believe in vampires? These 27 standby energy vampires are real:
- Air Conditioner
- Cable box
- Cable modem
- Cellphone charger
- Clock
- Coffeemaker
- Desktop computer
- DVD/Blu-Ray players
- DVR w/cable
- Electrical toothbrush/shaver
- Fax machine
- Furnace
- Gas range
- Inkjet printer
- LCD monitor
- Microwave w/clock
- Musical instruments
- Nightlight
- Plugged-in laptop
- Satellite TV box
- Speakers
- Stereos
- Surge protector
- TVs
- Videogame console
- Wall-mounted garage door opener
- Wireless phone
For Energy Saving Ideas, Call TIO Electric
Almost all electrical home improvement projects require a licensed electrician. You just can’t risk property damage or family injury to save money.
Turn It On Electric is the Valley’s LEED-certified electrical contractor. We care about making Arizona a better place to live because we live here too. If you have questions about home or business energy conservation, just ask. When you know more, you make informed decisions. Call or contact TIO Electric.
