When it comes to energy savings, it can be difficult to tell fact from fiction. Most homeowners want to do anything they can to cut down on their energy bills, but it’s important to know what helps and what is just a myth. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the energy efficiency questions that we get asked most often by our customers.
Energy Efficiency FAQs
Not sure if you should unplug your appliances? Wondering if upgrading to energy efficient HVAC equipment is worth it? We will cover this and more in the energy efficiency FAQs below:
Should I unplug my appliances when they’re not in use to save more energy?
The short answer is – yes. Even when your appliances are turned off, they are still draining electricity if they are plugged into a power source. This phenomenon, known as standby power is a big issue in U.S. homes even though many homeowners are not even aware of it. One way to reduce the amount of standby power used each day is by unplugging the appliances that are not in use. In addition to unplugging your appliances, you can also plug your appliances into a power strip with a switch, and turn the strip off whenever the items are not in use.
How much of a difference does it make to replace a regular light bulb with an energy-saving bulb?
One of the easiest ways to save more energy around your home is to replace your regular light bulbs with energy-saving models. But what difference does this really make when it comes to your energy usage? According to National Grid, replacing one incandescent light bulb with an energy saving model like a compact fluorescent bulb can save homeowners $67 dollars in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb. Now multiply that times every bulb in your house, and we’re talking about significant savings!
Is an energy efficient HVAC system worth the investment?
A new HVAC system is a significant investment, and many homeowners consider upgrading their equipment to a more energy efficient system when the time is right. But many homeowners ask us if the money they plan to invest in an energy efficient heating and cooling system is really worth the investment. According to Energy Star, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with an energy efficient system can reduce your annual energy bill by more than $115. If you consider how much you will save over the life of the unit, it adds up to some major savings for you and your family.
Want to learn other ways that you can save energy on your home appliance usage? Check out our post on surprising ways to use your home appliances more efficiently. And be sure to follow our blog page for more great resources about how to save more energy (and money) in your home throughout the year.