What Is Using the Most Electricity in Your Home?

Is your electricity bill higher than expected? Whether you’ve noticed a sharp increase in your bill or are simply looking for ways to go green in your home, review these ways to lower your electricity usage. Find out which appliances use the most electricity and how an expert electrician in Regina can help you explore options for appliance upgrades.

Update Your AC

Your air conditioner is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in your home. You may not have your AC on in Regina as often as homeowners in more southern parts of the world, but you still probably notice an increase in energy use in the summer due to air conditioning.

Modern AC units are far more efficient than older ones. Ask a local electrician or HVAC technician about replacing window units with an energy-efficient central air unit. These appliances not only keep your entire home comfortably cool but also filter the air as they operate to reduce dust and pollen in your home. A smart thermostat can also improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Review Your Heating System

Another major electricity user is your heater. This is particularly true if your system has an electric heating element, but even gas furnaces use electricity to power the blower. Chilly winters in Regina mean your heater is likely to run more frequently throughout the year than your AC unit.

Look for ways to reduce the energy consumption of your heating system. One major way is to update your furnace or heating system. Geothermal heat and energy-efficient heat pumps may be better solutions than older electric heaters. Be sure to schedule professional electrical repair services to safely swap out heaters.

You don’t have to replace your entire furnace to save money on your heating bill. Check the air filter and replace it at the recommended time to improve the efficiency of your blower. This will not only save you money but will also improve your indoor air quality.

Inspect Your Appliances

Look around your home for any appliances that run around the clock or very frequently. Here are some common culprits that may be using more electricity than you realize:

• Refrigerator
• Freezer
• Washer
• Dryer
• Electric oven or stove

These items create a significant amount of energy usage, so anything you can do to reduce their consumption can help you cut down your bill. For example, replacing a refrigerator with an energy-efficient alternative or line-drying laundry occasionally instead of using your dryer for every load.

Unplug Your Devices

Devices don’t have to be active to drain power. Any device that relies on an on/off circuit rather than a simple mechanical button uses a small amount of electricity at all times. A single device may not seem like a lot, but all of your TVs, laptops and other devices can add up.

Consider unplugging devices when not in use or charging. This simple step helps you save money without investing in new devices or appliances.

Turn Off Unused Lights

Light bulbs have come a long way in energy efficiency. LED technology uses significantly less energy than traditional halogen bulbs. Even after switching over your light bulbs, it’s still important to turn off lights that you aren’t using. Practice turning off lights when you leave a room to continue to reduce your electricity usage.

Work With a Local Electrician in Regina

From minor tune-ups to full appliance replacement services, turn to Handyman Connection for professional assistance in reducing your electricity usage. Request an estimate today to find out how to lower your bill and enjoy safe, efficient appliances in Regina. Create an energy-efficient, green home with just a few updates.