As the weather turns colder in the Surrey, White Rock and Langley area, energy bills tend to start to get a little more expensive, as lights are often kept on longer and the furnace remains in use for a few consecutive months. Luckily, there are some simple ways to reduce the cost of your energy bill this fall. Many of these energy-saving tips can be completed quickly and without any assistance, although you may want to consider enlisting the help of a quality electrical contractor like the ones at BPM Electric for advice and assistance with maintenance around your house. To get started on saving energy in your home, check out these tips that can help you reduce the cost of your energy bill this fall.
1. Change the Furnace Air Filter
A dirty air filter in your furnace can really put a strain on your entire heating system, making it work harder and ultimately cost you more money. If a filter goes unchanged for too long this can also become a more serious problem, often resulting in a total breakdown during the peak cold season, which no one wants to deal with. Most furnace filter replacements are available to purchase at your local hardware or home improvement store, and are easy to replace on your own. If you are unsure about how to proceed when replacing the filter, or were unable to find the correct replacement, it is best to call in an expert to help you solve the problem.
2. Update Your Hot Water Heater
Your furnace isn’t the only major appliance that can end up costing you on your energy bill this fall. The hot water heater in your home may also be contributing to the increase on your bill, especially if it is an older model. As years go by, your hot water heater becomes less and less efficient, meaning it takes more and more energy to heat up the same amount of water. If your water heater is more than ten years old (you can check the manufacture date which is usually printed on the tank), you may wish to have a heating and electrical expert inspect it and make recommendations for a replacement. Newer and more efficient tankless models are a great alternative to the storage tank water heaters that are more common in older homes, since the tankless heater provides hot water on demand rather than constantly keeping a large tank of water hot at all times.
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3. Seal Windows, Doors, Crawl Spaces, and Openings
This simple, yet effective little chore can help save you a great deal of money in the long run when it comes to heating your entire home. Over the hot summer months, seals around your windows, doors and any other spaces around your home can crack and deteriorate. That is why it is a good idea to use a quality caulking sealer to fill in these cracks and spaces where heat can escape during the cold season. Be sure to use the appropriate type of caulking around these areas, particularly if you are applying the sealer on the exterior of your home.
4. Purchase a Programmable Thermostat for Your Heating System
Over the past few years, thermostat technology has really turned a corner in terms of convenience and ease of use. Today, rather than having to leave your thermostat on all day while you are out of the house so you can come home to a warm house, you can install a programmable thermostat that will allow you to set when your heating system goes on and off throughout the day. This can end up saving you a nice chunk of change over the winter and fall months, not to mention the energy savings alone that can go a long way towards reducing your family’s carbon footprint. At BPM, we can recommend a top quality thermostat that will suit your needs, and have it installed quickly and correctly so you can get back to your normal daily routine.
5. Arrange for an Electrician to Inspect Your Entire Electrical System
If you are unsure about what issues or appliances that are costing you the most energy in your home, or how to go about solving any of those issues on your own, one of the easiest ways to get started is by arranging for a complete inspection of your home’s electrical systems by a certified electrical expert. At BPM, we will provide you with an honest and straight-forward assessment of what you can do to make your home more energy efficient, and how we can help you get started. With winter right around the corner, now is a great time to make an appointment and get started saving on your energy bills. You can give us a call, or contact us through our website to set up your inspection today. We look forward to hearing from you!
6. Switch to LED Lighting
Fall’s shorter days and longer nights mean you rely more on indoor lighting each day, and this translates to a higher energy bill. If your home still uses old incandescent bulbs, be aware that they waste most of their energy as heat, not light.
LEDs last longer (about 25 times!) and cut your lighting costs significantly. Starting by replacing the bulbs inside the rooms you use the most, such as the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms, is a powerful way to improve your home’s energy savings in the fall season.
While changing a bulb is simple, a certified electrician from BPM Electric can help you plan a complete lighting upgrade: we can install new energy-efficient fixtures, smart lighting systems, or dimmer switches to give you total control over your home’s ambiance and energy consumption.
7. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Did you know many of your electronic devices use power even when they are turned off? This is often called “phantom power”, adds 10% to 15% to your electricity bill throughout the fall season, and it’s common on televisions, game consoles, and chargers.
Focus on your entertainment and home office equipment first: unplugging devices when you leave for work or go to bed prevents unnecessary energy waste. An even easier solution is to plug several devices into a power strip that you can turn off with one switch, or which automatically cuts power to devices when they detect your main device has turned off.
By cutting off phantom power, you reduce costs and make sure you are only paying for the electricity you actually use.
8. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Fall is the perfect time to schedule a professional tune-up for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. HVAC maintenance ensures your furnace or heat pump is clean, tuned, and ready to handle the colder months.
Rather than only cleaning filters, a licensed HVAC technician will also clean components, check ductwork for leaks, make adjustments that improve efficiency, check your thermostat calibration, and test all system components to catch small problems before they become expensive emergency repairs.
An annual fall inspection is a smart investment in your home’s comfort, safety, and efficiency. At BPM Electric, our certified technicians provide comprehensive HVAC inspections and maintenance services to keep your system running efficiently all season long.
9. Use Window Coverings Strategically
You can use curtains and blinds to reduce your reliance on your heater system and save energy during the fall by letting them open during sunny days to let in natural heat, then close them in the evening to keep warmth indoors.
Extra tip: You can invest in heavy curtains and thermal blinds to provide extra insulation against cold outdoor temperatures.
10. Clean Major Appliance Vents and Coils
Large appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, and freezers use more power when their vents or coils are clogged because dust and debris buildup force them to work harder, which raises your energy bill.
Take a few minutes to clean these parts at the beginning of fall to improve airflow and efficiency. The effort is small, but it saves you money on both energy costs, replacement expenses, and it increases appliances lifespan as well.
At BPM Electric, we provide comprehensive electric appliance maintenance services to keep your home running efficiently throughout the fall season. Contact us today.
