Simple Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill without Sacrificing Convenience - Advice From an Electrician in West Gilgo Beach, NY

If you’re like most homeowners in West Gilgo Beach NY , heating and cooling probably account for the bulk of your energy bill. While you want to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer, you don’t have to shell out big bucks to maintain your comfort.

To reduce the amount you spend on heating and cooling, try these simple tips:

• Adjust the thermostat. Running it just a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees cooler in the winter can translate to huge savings.
• Update your insulation. Doing so will help retain heated and cooled air and prevent your HVAC system from having to work so hard, thereby cutting down the amount of electricity the system uses.
• Seal up any leaks. Air leaks around windows, doors, and even plumbing pipes on exterior walls can push your electric bill way up.
• Open and clean your vents. An accumulation of dust and debris on vents will reduce airflow, as will furniture placed in front of them.

Be Smart About Your Laundry

Washing machines and dryers use a tremendous amount of energy, even energy-efficient models. By making some simple adjustments, you can keep your clothes clean and lower your electric bill.

• Switch to cold water. Hot water accounts for roughly 90% of the energy that a washing machine uses. Washing in cold water isn’t only better for your wallet; it’s better for your clothes! When you wash in hot water, colors can bleed and delicate materials can shrink.
• Fill the machine. If you have a tendency to wash small loads of laundry, get in the habit of waiting until it’s full to turn on the machine. You can cut down on your energy bill and conserve water at the same time!
• Clean the lint filter regularly. You’ll improve the efficiency of the dryer, which will save you money, and you’ll also improve the safety of your home. Dirt lint traps are a serious fire hazard.