Warmer Weather Means Increased Electric Usage
Warmer weather will soon be here, and that means you should prepare your electrical system for spring and summer. It’s a given that electricity use will increase during these seasons, especially in the summer. With that in mind, it’s a smart idea to take a look at your electrical system this spring. This examination can show you what improvements to make to save energy and save money. Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., in Christiansburg, VA, cares about how both issues affect our neighbors in Virginia’s New River Valley. We always stand ready as an electrical contractor to help homeowners and business owners with any electricity issues they may face. This month, we want to offer you a few tips to assist you as spring comes on:
Look to Your Air Conditioning System
The primary culprit in raising your electricity bill and usage in the late spring and summer is your air conditioning system. When using window units or a central air conditioning system, that comfortable, cool air throughout your space is straining your electrical system. Around 6 percent of the electricity in a U.S. household goes to cooling the home in warmer weather. It doesn’t have to be so bad, however. Here are a few tips to help your air conditioning system run more efficiently, saving you energy in the process.
- A dirty air conditioning system works much harder to do its job, and uses much more electricity in the process. So clean your air conditioner. Change the filter. Make sure the outside portion of the unit is clear of any dirt and debris. This will help to ease its job and ease the electricity demand, as well.
- Another way to ease the electric burden of your air conditioning system is to find alternate ways to cool down your house or business. We’re not saying that you should get rid of your air conditioning system. However, you can get creative in ways to use it less. Products such as window treatments can hinder the sun’s rays from heating your building through the windows. Sealing openings, cracks, and air leaks around windows will also keep warm air from seeping into your home or business.
- Utilize ceiling, floor, and bathroom fans to help cool your home down, too. When taking a shower or a bath, that bathroom fan will vent away both humidity and heat. But remember to turn it off when it’s not in use. The off switch means saved electricity. The same principle goes for ceiling fans and floor fans. They cool down people, not areas. When you leave a room, turn the fan off.
- Consider a programmable thermostat. You may worry about the upfront cost of installing a new, programmable thermostat. The long-term savings on your electricity bill, however, will more than make up for it. You can set your thermostat to raise the temperature when you are not home to keep your air conditioning system from working too hard. It can start to lower the temperature before you get back. You can also set it to only cool rooms in use. Remember, the less your air conditioning system has to work, the better.
Keep an Eye Out for Other Electricity Thieves in Your Home or Business
Your air conditioning system is not the only electricity thief in your home or business, though. Look for other areas where you could make improvements to save electricity, such as:
- Switching to LED light bulbs throughout your home or business can save you on electric use. LED bulbs use less electricity than incandescent light bulbs, but they are just as bright. You may also consider complete LED conversion and installation. If this interests you, find a reputable, reliable electrical contractor to handle this, such as Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc. We are ready to discuss your options and situation with you and give you the best electrical work. We serve customers all across the New River Valley.
- Explore options for energy-saving appliances, too. Again, you may worry about the upfront cost of replacing an appliance, such as a dishwasher or a clothes dryer. The overall savings on your bill and the reduced burden on your electrical system, however, will pay off over time.
- Lower the temperature setting on your water heater. In doing so, you will conserve electricity, since your electric water heater will not have to work as hard. It will also save you money on your electricity bill, as well as prevent scalding accidents.
A Summer Vacation for Your Electrical System
“Say what?”, you may ask. Don’t misunderstand us. We’re not advocating that you turn off your electricity for the entire summer. But you will be taking a summer vacation, right? Whether you go to the Bahamas or to the Great Smoky Mountains, you deserve a break. Your electrical system does, too. Turn off any unneeded appliances while you’re gone. You can even turn off your electric water heater at the electric panel, too. Adjust your air conditioning system to operate at a warmer temperature while you’re gone. Anything you can do to reduce the strain on your electrical system during those busy summer months will pay off.
Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., Keeps the Power On
Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., is the New River Valley’s choice for an electrical contractor. We care about our customers, and we are ready to advise you on any ways that we can help you at your home or business. There is no job too big or too small for Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc. Whether you are in Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Radford, Dublin, Pulaski, or anywhere else in Southwestern Virginia, call us today. We handle electrical panel work, safety evaluations, power savers and surge protectors, and much more. You rely on your electricity, and we keep the power on. You can depend on us.
When you need a trustworthy, experienced electrical contractor at your New River Valley home or business, call Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., at (540) 998-5750. For updates and much more, like us on Facebook! Danny’s Electrical Service, Inc., will help you prepare your electrical system for spring and summer.