When you think about saving energy, tactics like adjusting the thermostat and turning off the lights undoubtedly come to mind. In addition to these obvious strategies, additional energy-saving opportunities are available with adjustments to your electrical system. Energy costs are problematic for many household budgets, but making your home uncomfortable to live in is unnecessary. How can your electrician help you save on energy throughout the year?

1. Install a Smart Thermostat

Maintaining a comfortable indoor climate is typically the most significant source of energy consumption. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 52% of home energy use ties to air conditioning and heating. Adjusting the thermostat by even a few degrees results in substantial energy savings. While you are away from the house or sleeping, this thermostat adjustment has no impact on personal comfort. However, remembering to make these adjustments is a challenge for many people. The solution is a smart thermostat.

A smart thermostat is programmable with adjustments scheduled by day and hour. By programming these temperature adjustments automatically, the energy savings are also automatic. In addition, adjustments made through a smartphone app further assist with temperature control while you're away from home. Some smart thermostats automatically adjust settings by learning your preferences. In addition, they take into account weather data and home occupancy to automatically make adjustments while conserving energy.

2. Upgrade Your Interior Lighting

Energy consumption related to lighting varies seasonally due to available sunlight and weather conditions. By switching to LED bulbs, lighting-related energy costs drop significantly. In fact, these bulbs consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. While they are more expensive than standard light bulbs, they last much longer.

In addition to upgrading the bulbs, adjusting light sources to suit your needs is an energy-saving measure. Task lighting, for example, provides ample illumination in work or activity zones. Using task lighting where needed eliminates the need to light up the entire room unnecessarily. Lighting color and position are equally important factors that affect the amount of energy needed. Professional recommendations are available through your electrician.

Illuminating rooms and closets that are unoccupied is a common source of energy waste. The easy solution is motion-activated lighting. Lights turn on when motion is detected and turn off when the room is still. Dimmer switches are another smart solution to reduce energy consumption and save money. Decreasing light brightness as needed or desired also improves ambiance while optimizing functionality.

3. Update the Electrical Panel

Electrical panels are responsible for distributing energy throughout the home based on demand. Through their evolution, modern electrical panels distribute energy more efficiently than their older counterparts. As a result, your home uses less energy after the installation of a new electrical panel.

In addition to this direct reduction in energy consumption, another benefit supports energy reduction. Commonly, people introduce new appliances and electrical devices in their homes over time. For example, as some people move toward electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, the demand on the electrical panel increases. An updated electrical panel accommodates other energy-saving measures in this way.

4. Replace Old Appliances

Appliances lose energy efficiency with age. This includes kitchen appliances as well as the washing machine, dryer and even televisions. In addition, newer appliances are generally more efficient than older counterparts. Depending on the appliance type and model, expect energy consumption to drop by half or more after making the replacement.

The ENERGY STAR rating is available on most appliances today, making it easy to compare your options. One of the challenges associated with replacing old appliances is installation. Through electrical services, proper installation is a breeze. Proper installation also supports optimized energy efficiency.

5. Update Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in home security and safety. For example, criminals typically avoid well-lit homes and target houses that provide the cover of darkness. Leaving outdoor lights on throughout the night, however, results in substantial energy consumption. One solution is motion-activated lights, which turn on only when motion is detected. When an intruder enters the light’s detection zone, the light turns on and deters criminal activity. Energy is used only when needed.

These lights are optimal for safety as well. Leaving outdoor lights on to minimize the chance of family and guests tripping or running into objects is unnecessary. Instead, illumination is available when necessary for personal safety and without unnecessary energy consumption.

An alternative to motion-activated lighting is solar-powered lights. When properly installed, solar-powered lights store the sun’s energy during the daytime. At night, the lights stay illuminated with the stored solar power.

6. Install Smart Home Solutions

In addition to a smart thermostat, today’s smart homes utilize other features to reduce energy consumption and to optimize comfort and control. Smart lighting automatically adjusts the brightness of illumination based on the amount of natural light in the room.

Smart plugs and outlets are available to manage energy supplies to appliances and electronics. When they detect features not actively in use, they switch to a standby mode. Some smart appliances have features that moderate usage. For example, some smart refrigerators provide an interior view of the fridge from a smartphone. A refrigerator’s energy consumption increases when the door opens. Through smartphone viewing, opening the door to browse the fridge’s contents is no longer necessary.

Some smart home features support remote energy monitoring of all connected devices. Analysis of energy consumption to specific appliances and features in real time provides greater control and smart decision-making.

7. Add Ceiling Fans

Airflow and circulation throughout the home results in enhanced HVAC system efficiency. Leaving the interior doors throughout the home open supports optimal airflow. This reaches a new level when ceiling fans operate. Some people turn off ceiling fans when rooms are unoccupied to save money. However, the HVAC system energy savings of running the ceiling fans outweigh the cost.

Installing ceiling fans in the living room, family room, bedrooms, and others large spaces is a major undertaking. Your electrician can complete installation work, allowing you to enjoy energy savings without hassle.

8. Install an EV Charger

There is a cost to charging your electric vehicle at home. However, many people have control over the energy source used at home. Some, for example, install solar panels. Others switch to a green energy plan through their electricity provider. Gas-powered vehicles, on the other hand, have one energy source and are air polluters. For those interested in reducing gas consumption for a cleaner, healthier environment, driving an EV is increasingly preferred. The installation of an EV charger in your garage supports convenient charging while you relax at home.

Schedule Electrical Service for Your Home

Some energy-saving strategies involve adjustments to personal behaviors and habits. Others, however, support daily energy savings without lifestyle changes. We are your complete source for electrical repairs, panel upgrades, ceiling fan installation, and more in Sherman, Texas. For electrical system upgrades and improvements, schedule service with Mister Sparky® of Sherman today.