How much is your average power bill each month? If you are like most people, with their central heat and air units, home computers, washers and dryers, and more; it is likely quite a bit. Most people have a heat and air unit for their comfort, refrigerators are required if we want to keep foods fresh, and then we have other appliances that do other things. The one thing all of these appliances have in common is that they jack up a power bill quickly. Therefore, it is important that we start thinking about conserving electricity through efficient appliances.
Appliances with the Highest Electricity Usage
As a general rule, anything you have in your home that runs 24/7 is going to be a big energy hog. For that reason, your refrigerator and/or freezer is definitely going to consume a lot of energy. In fact, refrigerators are at the top of the list, closely followed by stand-alone freezers. People who live in the south or in areas where it rains frequently, may use a dehumidifier. These appliances also use a lot of electricity, since most of them are considered high-wattage appliances and most people use them constantly to keep the humidity down in their home. Air conditioners, heaters, and water heaters are also highly wasteful when it comes to electricity. They all run for hours each day, if not all day, and many of us do not know how to use them in an efficient way.
Increasing Efficiency
If you are tired of high power bills, your first step should be to look at the energy rating on your appliances. Even appliances that are a few years old may have affordable replacements that are more energy efficient. If buying new appliances isn’t something you can afford to do, there are other things you can do to increase efficiency in your home. For instance, your refrigerator needs to have its temperature settings turned to the most optimal setting. The freezer should be set to where it is 0-5 degrees and the fridge can be 36-38 at its coldest. You can also check to make sure it is sealed good and avoid holding the doors open while you search for something inside. If you have a central AC and still feel warm during the heat of the day, you could get a portable AC to help keep you feeling cool. Some, like this Whynter Model, are very energy efficient and it will make it easier to cool the hot spots in your home rather than turn down the thermostat to cool the entire house more.
Search for More Ideas
High power bills are a constant issue for most people. A lot of power companies will give you tips and ideas on how to make your home more efficient. They may also offer you discounts if you make simple upgrades to your home, such as solar panels. You could also consider putting your hot water heater on a timer so that it isn’t keeping water hot while you are at work or on vacation. In short, there are many things you can do to cut out on your electric bill while keeping the appliances that you need. Even if it means changing out your light bulbs for more energy efficient options; its still something positive. You simply have to look around for solutions that will work for your family.