Categories Electric Bill, Home Automation, Residential

Can Smart Plugs Save You Money?

smart plugs

Smart plugs have the same configuration as most electrical plug-ins. Their prongs plug into the wall outlet openings. You can then plug other electrical products into the smart plug.

The first smart plug was designed by a British teen circa 2014. So, smart plugs are nothing new. For homeowners, smart devices managing smart electronic systems is becoming the rule, not the exception.

Advantages of Smart Plugs

The distinguishing advantage of smart plugs is their ability to reduce standby energy loss.

Smart plugs can be auto-configured or controlled remotely using WiFi. Individual models have different functions and instructions for use. All smart plugs save energy, but some say the cost vs. energy savings is a wash.

They can be used to control:

  • Appliances
  • Ceiling fans
  • Decorative lights
  • Electrical power “vampires” (electronics on standby)
    • Heaters/ACs
    • Kitchen appliances
    • Laptops/PCs
    • Phone chargers
    • Printers/scanners
    • TVs/game consoles
    • WiFi modems
  • Entertainment centers
  • Gaming consoles
  • Lamps

There are as many advantages to remote-controlled smart plugs as your imagination allows. Holiday lighting is frequently managed using smart plugs. Another popular advantage (but only with parents) is controlling plugged-in gaming devices and consoles. When it’s homework time or bedtime, you simply cut the power. This can ensure the kids aren’t up all hours playing games.

If you need your crockpot to cook a meal on high for 4 hours – but you’re away from home for eight hours – you can turn it on midday. No more overdone dinners.

Smart Plug Disadvantages

The smart plug’s size itself is a turn-off. They are often difficult to use in tight spaces behind furniture and appliances. And while proponents claim smart plugs can handle appliances, most plugs can only manage 15 amps of current.

They cannot be used both indoors and outdoors. You need a different type and size smart plugs for outside than the one you use in the house.

Smart plugs will save you money if they are set up correctly. This, say many smart plug ex-users, is the understatement of the year.

“Installing the device itself won’t necessarily save you energy and money, but setting it up so other devices only switch on and off as needed will save you money and help you consume less power,” says Jennifer Allen of Lifewire.

Safety standards are developed for a reason. There hasn’t been a surge of “black market” smart plugs, but it is important to buy from a reputable source.

Another disadvantage is some brands are more “hackable” than others. Hackers try to gain access to private information stored on other devices. They can use WiFi-enabled smart plugs to do just that.

Again, buy from reputable retailers. Online offers that are almost too good to be true usually aren’t. Even more confusing is HouseDigest says not only cheap but also popular name-brands are targeted by hackers.

Controlling your AC is more difficult than they say. You won’t be able to access necessary functions and the smart plug may skew the pre-programmed customizations you had.

Saving Our Planet While Saving You Money

“First, do no harm” is a familiar principle in the medical profession but it’s our policy too. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the green building standard formulated and managed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

Turn It On Electric of South-Central Arizona is LEED Certified. Our company and team of electrical professionals will always seek affordable, energy-saving solutions for our neighbors (like you).

Smart homeowners educate themselves as much as they can about smart home solutions. To learn more, contact TIO Electric.

Author Chad
Categories Electric Bill, Residential

15 steps to save electricity in your home

15 steps to save electricity in your home

You likely take steps to save electricity. Most of us do. More than at any other time in history, our focus is on conserving energy and preserving our planet. Even people who could care less about carbon footprints care about saving money.

15 Smart Ways To Save Electricity

…turning the temperature on your hot water heater down to 120° saves 6%-10%/year on hot water heating costs. That means a family spending $415/year could save $25-$42 per year.

– EPA

Installing a charging station in your garage for your new hybrid car won’t save electricity. But it can certainly help at the fuel pump, especially with gas prices significantly higher this year. One money-management website said hybrid cars don’t save money but they do save money – they significantly reduce your financial “pain at the pump.”

You know turning off lights and keeping doors shut are free and save electricity. But most people don’t realize how significant their energy savings will be if they reduce the water temperature at the water heater.

The modestwallet.com says there are ways to save electricity with upgrades that require an initial investment or professional installation. Only you can decide if the upfront outlay will justify the long-term savings.

Here are some familiar steps to save electricity and a few new ideas:

  1. Alternative energy – There are several renewable energy suppliers in Arizona.
  2. Appliances – Refrigerators made before 1993 use twice as much energy as new models. And Energy Star-certified refrigerators use even less. Look for Energy Star-certified large appliances.
  3. Dimmer switches – Technology has upped the game for dimmer switches and they save more money on electricity than before.
  4. Door/window seals – Every 2-3 months or so, do a visual inspection of all door and window seals in your home. Caulk/close gaps.
  5. Family education – Devote an amount of time to reviewing ways to save electricity with your loved ones. Everyone wants to save money. Kids are especially excited to be part of shaping their own and the planet’s future.
  6. HVAC filters – Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system will run more efficiently when you keep the filters clean. Replacing the filters can save 5%-15% in energy use.
  7. Insulation – You can lose as much as 20% of your energy through poor attic and/or wall insulation.
  8. Laundry – Air-drying your clothes is coming back simply because of the per-use cost involved in dryer-drying. Other laundry tips include:
    • Switching from hot water-washes to cold can save up to $0.64/load.
    • Washing/drying clothes at night saves peak-time energy usage.
  9. Lightbulbs – Switch from incandescent to LED bulbs. Some can last up to 20 years.
  10. Phantom electricity – Unplug devices on standby.
  11. Refrigerator – Put a thermometer in a glass of water in your fridge overnight. Fridge temperatures should be 37°F-40°F.
  12. Showers – If you cut daily shower time, you can save serious money.
  13. Smart power strips – These know when devices are in standby mode and stop electricity. The more you install these for entertainment and home office, the more energy and money you’ll save.
  14. Smart thermostat – Control heating and cooling with a phone app while improving comfort levels.
  15. Water heater – Regulating/reducing water heating temperatures will reduce energy bills. However, make sure you check your dishwasher manual before doing this.

Turn It On Electric believes all of us should take steps to save electricity if possible. Some investments and upgrades will increase the value of your property and may qualify for exergy tax credits. Contact TIO Electric and start saving today!

Author Chad
Categories Electric Bill

16 Ways to Save Power

16 Ways to Save Power

There’s a sonnet: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” All of us in Arizona love saving energy. It may be second-only to saving money.

Your Turn It On Electric pros in Phoenix want you to do both. There are so many ways to save power! Most are easy and inexpensive.

Identifying Ways to Save Power…And Dollars

All ways to save power are smart. Some energy-saving tips are as simple as turning off the heating/cooling system and opening the windows on a nice-weather day. But smart technology has made ways to save power innovative and kind-of fun.

Many of these energy-saving tips will increase the value of your property. If you’re considering selling soon, energy upgrades deliver a very good ROI (return on investment).

Here are 16 ways to save power this year:

  1. Air-dry laundry – Outdoor clothes hangers and drying racks are making a big comeback, but you can hang damp clothes on plastic hangers inside your home to save energy.
  2. Ceiling fans – The styles have become so stylish that savvy homeowners are investing in ceiling fans more than ever. Remember, ceiling fans are not a DIY (do-it-yourself) electrical installation.
  3. Doors/windows – These are energy-loss areas that can save money by maximizing energy efficiency. Explore ways to cut air loss or consider replacing them.
  4. Energy/meter monitors – Energy monitors report real-time electric energy usage. There are 3 types: handheld, online, and plug-in. Knowledge is power: when you know how much energy you’re using, you can develop ways to cut back.
  5. Insulation – You can heat or cool the outdoors if you have poor insulation. Consider adding-to or replacing attic insulation especially.
  6. Lawn hose/sprinklers – You can have a zoned sprinkler system and hose faucet timer.
  7. LED lighting – Residential LED light bulbs are the very best ways to save power. By 2027, LED lighting may be the most historical impact on energy savings in the U.S. You’ll save 75% on electricity use and they last 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs.
  8. On-demand water heating – Tankless water heaters are as much as 14% more energy-efficient.
  9. Reduce phantom power – Unplug the toaster and other appliances when not in use to reduce “phantom” energy waste.
  10. Smart blinds – “Alexa, close blinds!” you can command, as the sun heats your room to an uncomfortable level. Some window blinds can be battery- or solar-powered and phone-controlled.
  11. Smart power strips – Traditional power strips use energy even if you’ve turned off your computer and other appliances/devices. Smart power strips can detect when a device is asleep or on standby and cut the power.
  12. Smart thermostat – You can reduce your energy bill 15%-25% by installing a programmable thermostat. Some smart thermostats actually “learn” your schedule and begin automatically making air adjustments.
  13. Turn off the lights – The rule is: If you’ll be out of the room more than 15 minutes, turn the lights off. If you’ll be back within 15 minutes, it’s better to leave them on.
  14. Upgrade appliances – Your old dishwasher uses 10 gallons of water every cycle. You’ll save energy with newer kitchen appliances.
  15. Water regulators – There are low-flow fixtures and restrictor valves available to reduce the amount of water you and your family use.
  16. Wear more/less clothing indoors – Bundle up in the winter and wear fewer clothes in the summer. But only if this won’t cause thermostat wars at home.

Turn It On Electric: Arizona’s LEED-Certified Electric Professionals

Turn It On Electric promotes efforts to save energy in Arizona. Our company is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by the United States Green Building Council (USBG). We care about sustainable alternatives to increase energy efficiency in your home or commercial property.

If you have questions about ways to save power, contact us today.

Author Chad
Categories Electric Bill, Residential

6 Ways to Save On Your Electricity Bill

6 Ways to Save On Your Electricity Bill

Now more than ever, Maricopa County residents are seeking ways to save energy. Electricity rates have been scheduled to increase – and delayed – for quite some time. Phoenix residents may be looking at a 3.9% price increase by mid-2021 and other areas, including Tucson will see a $4.93 per-month rate hike.

Continue to use all the tips you know for ways to save on your electricity bill. But there are some smart options that can make a very real difference in your energy usage and quality of life.

Save on Your Electricity Bill with Smart Home Devices

Have you heard about “energy vampires?” They’re the home appliances that suck electricity, even when they’re not being used. “The worst culprits,” says home security pro Emily Ferron “are…devices with standby modes, like TVs.”

Consider these 6 smart home devices that will help you save on your electricity bill:

  1. Hoses/sprinklers – You can upgrade your hose faucet with a Bluetooth-controlled hose faucet timer. With apps like “know the flow,” it can track usage and create zoned watering for multiple uses. Sprinkler system controls can be upgraded affordably. Check out the Best Smart Sprinkler Controllers For 2021.
  2. Lighting – Some are smarter than others, so be sure to compare smart light bulbs. Light controls are the best way to save money and energy. They can integrate with Nest and operate easily with Alexa voice control.
    1. Automatically turns off when not in use
    2. LED bulbs offer the same amount of light for less energy.
  3. Meter monitors – You’ll have real-time insight into home energy use with an energy monitor. It also works with time-of-use rate plans. Maybe the best feature is its alert system. You can track energy when home and away, and you’ll be notified of a spike in usage.
  4. Outlet/power strips – This automatically detects and stops “phantom power” usage by devices. Some have designated outlets for appliances that should always be on. Others have motion detection and voice control options. Smart plugs and outlets can reduce the plug load by 50%.
  5. Thermostats – You can save on your electricity bill as much as 25% with a smart thermostat programmed to work with house size, your type of HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system, and comfort preferences. The top smart thermostats offer energy savings and ease of use.
  6. Window coverings – Smart blinds can be controlled by your phone. They can be hardwired or powered by solar or batteries. And of course, they can respond to Alexa voice commands. Smart window coverages can save three percent in lighting and up to 20% in heating/cooling.

Saving Money, Electricity, and Protecting You: Why We Care

Turn It On Electric of Arizona cares about friends and neighbors – like you. We want you to save money and live comfortably. We want to help you find ways to save on your electricity bill. But we also want you to live safely and affordably.

Here’s why we care: Today, the team of professionals at Turn It On Electric live here with you. We’re invested in our company, our families, and our communities. We’re invested in you. But we also want your legacy – your children and their children – to live their lives in a clean environment.

Contact us or call with questions about ways to save on your electricity bill or smart home device installation. You’ll never be sorry you called us, but you might regret that you didn’t.

Author Chad
Categories Electric Bill

Are there ways to lower the electricity bill?

Are there ways to lower the electricity bill?

There are lots of ways to lower the electricity bill. If your home is “total electric,” simply cut off the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system. You may freeze in January or shrivel up like a prune and die in August, but you’ll lower your electric bill.

Here are ways to lower your electricity bill without discomfort or sacrifice.

28 Ways to Lower the Electricity Bill

Energy-reduction strategies, like “smart” devices for your home’s heating and cooling management, can be measurable ways to lower the electricity bill. Behavior changes can also lower your electric costs. Your household members must be taught to not let the hot water run and to turn off lights when not in use.

Here are some ways to lower your electric bill. Perhaps not all will work for you or your lifestyle, but some are very helpful:

  1. Buy ENERGY STAR® appliances
  2. Clean ductwork/vents*
  3. Clean refrigerator coils*
  4. Close curtains on hot days
  5. Don’t put hot foods in the fridge
  6. Get HVAC maintenance fall/spring*
  7. Hand-wash dishes
  8. Install:
    • attic ceiling fan*
    • ceiling fans*
    • dimmer switches*
    • low-flow showerheads
    • motion sensors
    • outdoor solar lighting*
    • programmable thermostat
    • storm doors
    • tankless water heater*
  9. Insulate electrical outlets*
  10. Insulate your water heater*
  11. Keep dryer lint trap clean
  12. Keep fridge/freezer full
  13. Line-dry laundry
  14. Lower your water heater temperature
  15. Microwave more (ovens use more electricity)
  16. Only do full laundry loads
  17. Plant shade trees
  18. Reduce “phantom” energy (75% of energy wasted on plugged-in/not-in-use electronics)
  19. Reduce sleep temperature (use more blankets)
  20. Re-insulate your home*
  21. Replace HVAC filters
  22. Request an energy audit
  23. Turn off dishwasher “heat dry” setting
  24. Turn off lights when not in-use
  25. Use “smart strip” surge protectors for electronics/appliances
  26. Use cold water for laundry-washing
  27. Use weather-stripping
  28. Utilize off-peak hours

Convert Inside, Outside Lighting

You can save $600/year by simply switching from incandescent bulbs to LED (light-emitting diodes). Incandescent bulbs need replacement several times a year and LED bulbs last for years. They also cost less per-month to use.

If you have outdoor lighting that is left on for long periods of time, using CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) or LEDs in outside fixtures will save a lot of energy (and money), according to Energy.gov. Bare spiral CFLs can often be used in enclosed fixtures that protect them from the weather. CFLs and LEDs are also available as floodlights. 

Let’s Talk Lighting

Turn It On Electric professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured. But maybe, more importantly, we have experience.

Continuing education helps us utilize new technology to provide energy-saving lighting options to our commercial and residential customers. We believe knowledge is power, and the “best” customers are the ones that make informed decisions.

So, let’s discuss what lighting choices would enhance your property. We can upgrade outside safety lighting and/or install motion-activated security systems. Perhaps you have a big event planned. Deck, patio, and pool lighting can be focal points with professional installation.

Or maybe it’s time to make your living space more of a showplace (and less of a habitat). New lighting fixtures can do just that.

There are ways to lower the electricity bill and increase your property value. Contact TIO Electric today to discuss the lighting possibilities for your home or office.
___
*Professional installation/maintenance is recommended/required

Author Chad
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Mike you are the best!! God bless you for comming out saturday when I blew my fuse trying to vacumm and shout out to Josh who although not have sat office hours called me anyway after I left a voicemail. .Bob Best was here and gave me amazing information that NO OTHER electrician had. .!! I'm happy to say this is an amazing caring company...and I'm a customer for life!! Please recognize and reward Mike And Josh for them saving me on Saturday as my security system had no power and my smoke alarm had been beeping for hours. These men deserve kudos. .if you are looking fir honest and highly qualified electrical work. This is where to go. I'm thankful and grateful. Bob is now an instructor ..I'm happy to know future electricians are being schooled and trained by him. Thanks to you all
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This company literally saved us! We had some electrical issues discovered that were rather alarming and created an issue with the garage door opener completely lost power as well as our outdoor dusk to dawn lighting and the interior garage lights. Mike the electrician came to the rescue! He listened to the issues in my non electrical language (haha) translated it and solved everything with confidence! Knowledgeable, Friendly, prompt, professional and efficient! Highly recommended! Will definitely call for future needs!
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17:04 14 Aug 24
I called TIO Electric because a friend referred them and they did not disappoint. I had an issue and it was rough identifying the source of the problem. Miguel and Conrad worked together to identify and solve the problem quickly. As a services based business it was extremely important to get the repair done quickly and the team stayed to ensure the job was done before they left. I expected to have to schedule another visit due to the complexity of the case, but they understood I needed to be back up and running as soon as possible and got the job done in just a few hours. They were very professional and personable and the cost was in line with what I expected.Update 8/14/24: TIO helped me again. This time with an issue I was having at my home. Marcus was very nice and knowledgable and was able to identify the problem and make the repair in quick time. I had a secondary issue I wasn't too worried about, but Marcus took care of that as well. These guys know what they're doing. Still highly recommend.They did a great job. I would definitely recommend them for projects big and small.
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Excellent service!! Marcus has been to our house a couple of times and completed the work doing an AMAZING job. He was very polite, professional and explained every process to us. His work was also completed in a timely manner. It is very rare to find anyone with great work ethic anymore! This company is very lucky to have him. We would definitely recommend and use Turn It On Electric again.
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They were on time, clean, friendly, professional and did an amazing job. I would have to say that the price was fair considering the amount of work done. Highly recommend Turn It On Electrical!
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