When the temperature continues to reach scorching heights, there isn’t a person around who doesn’t appreciate air conditioning. Summer months and early fall are the peak seasons for high electricity demands since homes and offices everywhere are running their cooling systems and fans non-stop. In addition, computers, refrigerators and freezers tend to work harder to combat the high temperatures in the atmosphere, and certainly don’t contribute to your efforts to maintain a lower electric bill.
ELECTRICITY PRICES INCREASE WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE HIGH
All extra electricity usage that occurs in your home has a definite effect on your monthly energy bill, whether it’s air conditioners, computers, appliances, video games, or TVs. When you use more electricity, you obviously have to pay for that extra usage which tends to fluctuate depending upon the season and the time of day. Energy usage typically peaks in late afternoons and definitely in the summer months.
There are a number of ways to help beat the summer heat without causing you financial hardships and without sacrificing the use of your AC system. Some practical tips you can take to help you achieve a lower electric bill include, but are not limited to, the following:
Use your AC system wisely – Though it can be somewhat of a challenge to reduce the amount of time your AC system is running, it is the logical way of reducing electric costs in peak months. On cloudy days or during early morning hours, and even at dusk, try using fans instead of the AC. Also, when you are away from home for extended periods of time, don’t keep the AC running. Instead, set your thermostat at higher temperatures while away and program it to start up in advance of your return home.
Draw your window treatments – The sun’s heat can easily seep through your windows and create warm molecules within your living space, especially in the middle of the day. When this occurs, simply pull down your shades or other window treatments and allow your home to quickly and consistently cool down.
Invest in effective insulation and energy efficient windows – If you have inefficient window treatments or lack insulation, then your AC system has no choice but to work harder and longer to keep your living space cool and comfortable. Double pane windows are equipped with cost effective and efficient seals that help to reduce the running time of your AC system, as do properly sealed doors and vents. Also, the installation of proper insulation in your home will ensure the cold air stays in and the heat stays out during peak months.
Avoid using the kitchen stove during the hottest times of the day – Lighting up your stove during scorching hot summer days, makes as little sense as running your fireplace on a hot July afternoon. Get in the habit of cooking on the grill in the summer months and surely you will see that doing so contributes to a lower electric bill.
GERVAIS ELECTRIC, INC. – THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST
Paying high electricity bills can certainly put a bit of a damper on summer plans and fun, but when you take time out to practice these simple tips above, rest assured you will enjoy a lower electric bill and reduced energy consumption as well. Just give us a call for more information on how you can minimize electricity usage. Our team of dedicated professionals would be happy to install a setback thermostat or a ceiling fan, which can also help reduce your electricity bill. At Gervais Electric, Inc, we stand ready to meet your every need and look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your family season after season, year after year!
The summer heat can be challenging and brutal at best, especially if your home has no air conditioning system. Installing an air conditioning system can be quite costly, which is why many homeowners choose to install window air conditioning units in their homes instead. Window AC units use about 1/3 of the amount of energy it requires to run a central HVAC system for the same length of time, but if you have more than one unit installed in your home, your bill can add up quickly.
A window unit can serve a small living space quite well, but if you have a larger home or even if you want to cool down a number of different rooms in your home, it is more efficient and cost effective to choose either a ductless AC or a central air system, each of which can cool down larger areas and contribute to the energy efficiency in your home.
BE SURE YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAN HANDLE THE CHALLENGE OF YOUR AC UNITS
Certainly, one of the more powerful appliances in your home, window air conditioning units can put a great strain on your electrical system. Smaller units can be run with standard wall outlets, with larger units, typically 125 or 220 volts as well as those with higher amps requiring a committed outlet for power. If you do not have one available in your home, it is essential that you have the appropriate outlet installed by a professional electrician. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your home electrical system can properly handle the needs of an AC window unit, then be sure to reach out to Gervais Electric, Inc. and our team of highly experienced electricians before your installation.
OTHER OPTIONS
A ductless AC, or mini split AC unit, has a greater price tag than a typical window unit, but they provide more power and are more energy efficient than even a central HVAC system. In addition, they can easily cool down larger areas than window units and have a number of useful components. The thermostat of a mini-split unit and the air vents are located within the area that is being cooled while its cooling fans are located on the exterior of the home. These units also have programmable settings and timers that are quite useful. A professional installation is required for a mini-split system, but the process is far less costly than that of a central HVAC system.
WINDOW UNITS CERTAINLY COST LESS
Window air conditioning units cost much less than that of a central AC system or mini-split system, but they are unable to provide the ultimate cooling you would want and need. If your home requires multiple window units, then looking into a mini-split system will most definitely save you money over the long term.
TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON
Whatever the option you may choose for your home’s cooling needs, Gervais Electric, Inc. can ensure that your electrical system is equipped to handle the challenge and task. For more information about electricity usage for window air conditioning units, mini-split units and central HVAC systems reach out to our team of professionals today. Our certified electricians are on hand to answer all your questions and to help with your important decision making. Contact our team of dedicated professionals today for the most reliable home cooling solutions!
You may not know that the electrical wiring in a home can become a dangerous safety hazard as it ages. Everything deteriorates over time, but some things present with greater hazards over the course of an extended deterioration process. Homes that are greater than 30 years old, require a number of electrical upgrades to ensure the safety of both the home and its occupants.
CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS
If your home is greater than 30 years old, we highly suggest you hire our professional electricians to perform a thorough inspection to determine if your home electrical system is in need of repairs, or perhaps even a full replacement. Gervais Electric, Inc. can help you to identify common electrical issues that need to be repaired, or components that may need to be replaced altogether. Whatever the case may be, rest assured our team of certified professionals are equipped to handle all your repairs and electrical upgrades. With that said, we’ve provided below some of the common electrical issues that may need to be addressed.
COMMON ELECTRICAL ISSUES IN HOMES BUILD PRIOR TO 1988
Electrical Wiring – One of the most important and more obvious components of your a electrical system, apt to require an upgrade, is your electrical wiring. Depending on the type of wiring you have in your home, an upgrade will prevent fires from occurring, or other hazardous issues that can harm you and your family. No matter the type of wiring in your home, our team of professionals are on hand to replace it with new, state of the art, safe wiring to ensure the safety of your home and family.
Electrical Panel – Your home’s electrical panel is responsible for regulating and maintaining the electrical current running from the outside power source into your home. When there is no regulation, power surges can easily occur and can ultimately cause a fire in the walls. Although most electrical panels are quite reliable and sturdy and have an extended lifespan, it is critical that you have your electrical panel inspected from time to time to ensure that the electrical flow is being handled and administered properly.
Electrical Wall Receptacles – Most of us are aware that the wall receptacles in our homes can lead to fires, especially if they become damaged, old, or worn out. For starters, you should ensure that the wall receptacles in your kitchen and bathrooms are, if not already, upgraded to GFCI outlets. These GFCI units have a specialized design that serves to cut off any electrical supply, right at the source, if ever there is a threat of shock resulting from the presence of water. Our highly skilled electricians will perform a full inspection to determine if any of the outlets in your home are damaged and burned requiring replacement.
Ceiling Fans – Older ceiling fans use a great deal of power and waste an awful lot of energy. Today’s ceiling fans are incredibly energy efficient and should take the place of any older style ceiling fans in your home. Our electrical pros can advise whether or not you need new ceiling fans in your home and, if needed, can take care of the installation process for you as well.
PUT YOUR TRUST IN OUR DEDICATED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS
I think we would all agree that when it comes to your home electrical system, it is much wiser to be safe rather than sorry. If you own a home that is greater than 30 years old, then why not take the time to contact our expert team to perform a much-needed inspection? We will ensure that your system is safe, and we’ll advise you on any electrical components that are in need of repair or replacement. And of course, we’ll perform all of your electrical upgrades for you. Don’t put your home and family in danger. Schedule your electrical system inspection with our professionals today and make your home a safer place to live!
