Tag: bills

Avoid the "Pinch" of Rising Electrical Bills This St. Patrick's Day

Three Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Planning a St. Patrick’s Day celebration is relatively easy. All anybody must do is deck themselves in green. And while going green on St. Patty’s Day may be one of the easiest things to do this month, the same should be true about greening up the home's electrical use and making it more eco-friendly. 

If caring for the environment while saving on electricity costs is the name of the game, then there’s no need to look further than the following paragraphs. This blog will share three easy ways to go green and make the home more energy efficient on St. Patrick’s Day.

Maximize the Use of a Ceiling Fan

fanHomes that have ceiling fans installed have a leg up on savings. If used correctly, these fans can help HVAC systems run more efficiently by helping to circulate air in the room. It is easy to see how this works in the summertime. If the ceiling fan is set to turn counterclockwise, then it will create a downdraft, which is responsible for pushing cool air down and helping to augment the air conditioning system. 

In the winter, homeowners can achieve a similar but opposite effect. Reversing the direction of the fan’s spin will create an updraft, which should suck the cool air up and push down warmer air, a simple yet effective way of reducing the burden of heating a room on a home’s heating system.

If Not in Use, Turn it Off

lightAnyone who has ever been hounded by their parents to turn the lights off after leaving a room may not want to hear this, but that is still considered sound advice when it comes to energy savings and bill reduction. Making this minor but conscious adjustment in daily life can have a compounding effect on the environment and a homeowner’s wallet.

Turning off lights and unplugging appliances that are not being used or opting to use natural light is cost-effective in more ways than one. This simple act can save money by reducing electric bills. It can also show up as savings in replacing light bulbs, which usually last longer and therefore do not need to be replaced as often if used prudently.

Make the Switch to LED Lights

Most light fixtures now run on LED lights for a good reason. LEDs are the most efficient lightbulbs available in the market today. LEDs are a whopping 75% more efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs, while CFLs fare a bit better at 25% efficiency. 

These percentages are eye-popping and may seem too good to be true, but with a lifespan of 25,000 hours, LED lights offer significant savings for homeowners without sacrificing quality. With incandescent bulbs only making it to 1,000 hours and CFLs up to 10,000, LED is the clear winner for its ability to produce more light on less power, making them the best choice for lighting up the modern home.

About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air

Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has over 30 years of experience serving Port St. Lucie, FL residents, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and on-time arrivals. Call them today for indoor lighting or ceiling fan installation and repair in Port St. Lucie, FL.

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Three Ways to Save Money on Energy Bills

Spend Money on Christmas Presents––Not Utility Bills! 

During the holiday season, every penny counts. Eating in, using coupons, and staying home on Friday nights can only go so far. If homeowners are serious about saving money this holiday season, they should consider getting a programmable thermostat, changing air filters, and consulting a qualified HVAC technician for maintenance. 

Each of these measures does more than just save on electric bills; they also help homeowners get the most from their HVAC systems. With these simple steps, families can enjoy a more comfortable home without an expensive price tag. 

Get a Smart Thermostat 

thermostatMany manufacturers, like Nest and Honeywell, now specialize in “smart” technology. Instead of relying on an old dial mounted to a wall, one can get a wifi enabled thermostat. These devices give homeowners complete control over their home’s comfort and indoor air quality.

Using a smartphone app to control their smart thermostat, one can: 

  • Create heating and cooling schedules 
  • Predict their monthly energy bill 
  • Remotely turn the AC or heater on and off 
  • Identify problems with the system 
  • Reduce homeowner’s energy bills 
  • Compare their energy usage to previous months 

These devices are relatively cheap on today’s market, with some models starting at around $60, and they can help homeowners save money monthly on energy bills. 

Replace the Air Filters 

filterEnergyStar notes that most homeowners should change their HVAC unit’s air filter at least once every three months. Air filters basically let the HVAC unit “breathe” by allowing proper airflow while filtering out dog hair, dust, and other indoor air pollutants. Changing the air filters on time helps keep the unit working efficiently, saving homeowners money on electric bills. 

Signs that someone should change their air filters include: 

  • The unit overheats easily.
  • The system constantly turns on and off. 
  • The home never gets to the desired temperature. 
  • The home’s energy bills increase, despite no change in AC or heater usage. 
  • There is dust build-up around the home’s air vents. 
  • The season changes. 
  • More people (or pets) move into the house. 

Before air filter replacement, one needs to know the filter’s length, width, and height. That’s because not all units need the same size air filter. Larger systems generally require larger air filters than smaller units. 

Consult a Trained Professional 

Homeowners should schedule AC maintenance visits at least once a year and heater maintenance at least once yearly. A professional can assess the home’s HVAC system and prevent any problems from arising. During their inspection, a trained professional will:

  • Measure the refrigerant levels 
  • Check all motors and belts for tightness and wear 
  • Measure airflow through the evaporator coil 
  • Look for any leaks and then seal them 
  • Inspect the system’s electrical terminals 
  • Evaluate the system’s power source 
  • Insulate pipes or ducts 

HVAC systems can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, depending on how well they’re maintained. Homeowners can give their HVAC system a longer life and better efficiency, leading to lower energy bills with routine maintenance. 

About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air

Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has served the residents of Port St. Lucie, FL, and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. They provide upfront pricing, on-time arrival, and a culture of caring. Call them today for heating maintenance or thermostat replacement and repair in Port St. Lucie, FL.

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