If you’re interested in lowering your utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint on the planet, one of the easiest places to look first is right where you live.
Local Home Energy Consumption
While electricity consumption in American homes varies widely by region and type of home, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the average household consumes 10,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually.
In Cobb County, that translates to a bill of about $1,600 each year. In addition, transportation and housing account for more than half of all U.S. household emissions, and a quarter of the housing emissions are due to utilities. This is where a knowledgeable electrician can help!
The three largest categories of electricity consumption are:
- Air conditioning
- Space and water heating
- Lighting and refrigerators
A professional electrician can begin by conducting a home energy audit to identify areas where the home is losing energy.
1. Install more energy-efficient lighting solutions
Electricians can install motion-sensing lights that turn off when not in use in areas like hallways and outdoor spaces. They also can recommend replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient LEDs, which last longer and consume less electricity.
If you have hard-to-reach can lights installed in the ceiling for instance, an electrician can change out those bulbs for you.
Check out our blog post, Electrical Tips to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient to learn more tips for energy-efficient homes.
2. Make your home smarter
An electrician can install items like smart thermostats, which heat or cool a room according to need and reduce wasted energy. For example, a room that receives direct sunlight may need to be heated less in the winter, as it uses the sun’s natural energy.
Electricians also recommend installing smart meters, which track and monitor daily energy usage. These meters allow homeowners to see their energy usage in real-time and adjust as necessary.
3. Instal electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
Transportation, along with housing, accounts for more than half of household emissions. Some families have decided to add an EV to their car fleet to reduce their reliance on gasoline. An electrician can install a home charging station in the garage, which is a must-have for EVs.
4. Upgrade electrical systems and appliances
Older homes often have inefficient or outdated electrical panels that waste energy. As we discussed in our blog, 6 Reasons You May Need to Replace Your Home’s Electrical Panel, electrical panels have a lifespan of 25-40 years. Outdated and recalled electrical panels can pose a serious fire risk and be less energy efficient.
Such an update may also be necessary to install newer, more energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and water heaters (which your electrician can help instal,l too!).
5. Ensure proper insulation and sealing
Electricians can ensure that electrical wiring is properly insulated, reducing energy loss from heat escape or leaking. They can install weatherproof outlets and outlet covers to prevent drafts and energy loss.
6. Reduce phantom power loss
Finally, electricians can install smart surge protectors in the home. These devices can help reduce phantom power reduction, which is the energy used by electronics when they’re turned off but still plugged in.
By conducting a simple electrical audit of their homes to identify where they’re losing money and wasting energy, homeowners can save on utility bills and make their homes more environmentally friendly.
How Can Shockly Electric Help Make Your Home More Environmentally Friendly?
At Shockley Electric, we address important home safety issues such as power surges, faulty electrical wiring, and potential fire hazards when we do electrical preventive maintenance in homes or commercial buildings. We are licensed, trained, and skilled in safety-proofing your home, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers.
If you are experiencing electrical problems in your home or aren’t sure if your home is protected from electrical hazards, schedule an in-home estimate or appointment with us today. Fill out our form or call us now for a free estimate!
