Energy-efficient electrical work keeps your family safe and can save you money. Upgrading electrical wiring and other elements, especially in older homes, can have your house running more energy efficiently.
Programmable Thermostats Save Energy
Replacing your thermostat with an automatic, programmable thermostat could save you up to $180* a year. This energy-saving electrical upgrade is simple to do and will keep money in your pocket – as long as you use the thermostat effectively to control temperatures. Digital thermostats are much more reliable and accurate than their analog predecessors. In fact, some thermostats now give you the option to adjust the house temperature remotely, giving you more control over your family’s energy efficiency. There is no need to cool or heat your home at the same temperature when you’re not home, and with a programmable thermostat you can “set it and forget it” and still get the benefits of saving energy.
Grounded Outlets and Surge Protectors Increase Safety
Grounded outlets and outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are inexpensive ways to reduce electrical risks within your household. Especially necessary in older homes, grounded outlets provide added protection against appliance internal short circuits. GFCI outlets are particularly needed in rooms that have outlets near water, as they automatically shut off power when there is a chance of shock or electrocution.
Ground fault interrupting circuit breakers in the electrical panel are another application of GFCI technology that protects the entire circuit, not just the one outlet. Install them in basement, garage, kitchen, bathroom and exterior circuits.GFCI outlets and circuit breakers can be used to prevent the 300 electrocutions and thousands of burn and electric shock injuries each year. One safety measure that can also save on energy usage in the home is to install surge protectors. They can be added to any electrical outlet or at the point where electricity enters the home. Surge protectors block or divert excess voltage, keeping your energy consumption stable and predictable.
Save 75% with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)
One simple electrical energy-saving update you can make is to your lighting. It’s estimated that 10% of your home’s energy budget goes towards lighting*. By using newer lighting technologies, you can cut your lighting costs anywhere from 50% to 75%*. Energy Star-recommended fluorescent light bulbs produce less heat and last 6 to 12 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
While electric ceiling fans help to cool your home in the summer, reversing their rotation in the winter can help you save on heating costs. By reversing direction in the winter, it will pull down some of the hot air that rises when you heat your home.
Increasing Electrical Current an Option
The most common electrical update made to older homes is to go from 100 to 200 amps. While this may be an energy necessity for some families, it’s very much dependent on energy consumption choices. By plotting out your energy use, making this electrical update may not be necessary. Fortunately for energy-conscious homeowners who need to complete various electrical work, the 30% federal tax credit on materials related to your energy upgrades* can save some of the costs.
For Energy Efficiency Hire a RESNET Qualified ENERGYSMART Electrician
If your home requires substantial electrical work, hiring a certified electrician to handle all of the electrical work is highly recommended. A good electrician will be able top advise you on the latest energy-saving technologies to use in your home. RESNET Qualified ENERGYSMART Electricians have special training in energy efficiency. It’s highly recommended to bring in an Energy Auditor to assess your home prior to undergoing any energy-related work.
*Figures from www.energystar.gov
