As the summer months fade away in Victoria, the days are getting shorter and you may find yourself needing to flip on the lights earlier and earlier. With all of this extra electricity usage, your next utility bill is bound to be affected and you may be asking yourself ‘how can I gain control of my electricity bill’?
As the average Victoria BC household electricity bill rises, keep in mind that there are some steps that you can take to avoid paying more. And the best part? These steps don’t involve making drastic changes to your lifestyle or sacrificing comfort and convenience. Below are a few tips to help you keep your electricity bill under control this season and beyond!
Find Phantom Energy Users
Did you know that some devices and appliances use electricity even when they are not powered on? These ‘Phantom Energy Users’ are common devices that are always plugged in such as computer chargers, gaming consoles, cable boxes, and DVR devices. A good rule of thumb is: if it has a standby light, it is likely using electricity while not in use. Unplug those unnecessary cables to help save your power!
Swap Out Light Bulbs
Did you know that LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs? These newer bulbs also last up to 25 times longer! Switching the light bulbs in your home to LED just makes sense.
Turn Off Fans & Lights When Not in Use
Are you guilty of leaving lights on when you leave a room? Having your entire house lit up while only a few people are home can get expensive, especially if you have a lot of overhead lighting. Try using smaller lamps to provide more direct light, and always turn off lights and ceiling fans while you are not in the room.
Upgrade Your Appliances
If the appliances in your home are getting older, they are likely not as efficient as they could be. This can bump up your electricity bill more than you think! Think about upgrading to newer appliances, and be sure to look for the Energy Star certification.
Check Your Doors, Windows, and Insulation
Did you know that small gaps and lack of insulation in your home can lead to energy waste? Lack of proper insulation can make your furnace and air conditioner work harder than necessary to keep your home warm or cool. Fix drafty areas to see a big impact on your electricity bill in the long run.
Set Your Thermostat Properly
It may be tempting to constantly adjust your thermostat as the weather changes, but did you know that keeping your thermostat at a consistent and comfortable temperature will save energy? Once you decide on a good temperature for while you are home, set the thermostat for a few degrees lower while you are out of the house. If your thermostat doesn’t accommodate these settings, there are plenty of smart thermostats on the market that our team would be happy to help you look at.
Run Appliances at Full Capacity
How often do you run your dishwasher and washing machine? Since these are two of the most highly used appliances in the home, they tend to use a lot of energy. By waiting to run these appliances until they are full, you can save the energy that you may be wasting by running them at half capacity.
If you are looking for help to reduce your electricity bill, our Victoria BC electricians are happy to discuss the strategic steps that you can take around your home to minimize your extra usage. Contact us today to get started!
