Conserving electricity serves two purposes – it helps you save money and it helps slow down global warming, which means it’s healthier for the planet! Take a look around your home right now. You will probably notice quite a few lights on, as well as other electrical items. If you’re looking for ways to save electricity here are a few ways to do that.

Everyone has windows in their home. You may even have a few that get a lot of natural sunlight. This is one of the best ways to save electricity. Rather than turning on lights in the room, simply open your curtains.

Be smart though! If you are having an exceptionally hot day, opening the curtains to let the light in will also let in the sun. This can make it too hot in your house – which means you’ll want to crank up the AC!

Regular incandescent bulbs can now be replaced with energy-saving bulbs, such as CFL or LED. The energy-saving bulbs may cost a little more. However, if you consider the amount of money they can save and how long they last, it might be worth it if you are trying to find ways to save electricity.

Some CFL and LED light bulbs have warranties attached to them. If you follow the warranty instruction and it fails within a specified amount of time, you can contact the manufacturer. As long as you’ve followed the instructions, they will send you a new lightbulb.

Make it a habit:  every time you leave a room, turn the light switch off. Have you ever come home to find all the lights on and the TV blaring in the other room? Be mindful of how many lights are on in your home. This is especially helpful during the hours when the sun is still out. You may be surprised to know that some people have anywhere from five to 13 lights turned on at any given time!

Did you know that even if an appliance is turned off and not being used, it’s still using energy? Leaving it plugged in may not use a lot of energy, but it can add up. Power down and unplug your TV, computer, and coffee pot!

Did you also know that if your home isn’t insulated your AC or heat is working overtime? This can lead to higher energy bills. Taking little steps along the way, such as caulking or weatherstripping, can help.

You can hire a person to do an energy audit. They will come to your home with specialized tools to be able to see heat signatures. It will show where your home is “leaking” air. This could mean you are losing heat in the winter and AC in the summer months.

Using alternative renewable energy, such as wind or solar energy, can help lower your electricity bills too. For example, swimming pools can use a lot of energy using conventional products. However, if you use a solar cover to warm the pool, you can save electricity. You can use renewable energy resources for other products in your home, too.

By doing a few of the ideas above, you could save hundreds of dollars a year, depending on how many tips you use and the size of your home! If you need more information on ways to save electricity, contact 247 Local Electrician.