If your electricity bill is reaching all new heights— it might be time to start making some energy efficient changes! Here’s how to know if your appliances are draining your electrical system and what you can do to solve the problem.
Are Your Electrical Bills Higher Than the Average Household?
You may think your electricity bill is high— but do you know if your bill is above average for where you live? The U.S. Energy Information Administration publishes yearly data on monthly residential electricity bills so you can see if your bill is more than the average for your area.
Do Your Appliances Have an Energy Star Label?
Once you’ve determined that your bill is indeed higher than the norm— it’s time to figure out your appliances are the culprit. You might be impressed with your 20+ year-old garage freezer for still hanging on since your college days, but it may be costing you more than just paying for an upgrade.
Prior to 1997, Energy Star (the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency) didn’t rate dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, or boilers. And that Energy Star rating really does make a difference. Energy Star washing machines, for example, use 25% less energy and about 75% less water than agitator washers did 20 years ago.
Does Using Multiple Appliances at Once Trip Your Breaker?
Your electrician will be able to tell you just how much electricity each of your appliances is using by testing your breakers. Sometimes, it’s not just the appliances at fault— but also old electrical system. If you turn on all your burners plus your oven at the same time and it causes the breaker to trip— you likely have an overloaded circuit and it’s time for an electrical upgrade.
Whether you need a new electrical panel or an electrical remodel — our team of expert electricians at Empowered Global can help! We can install the latest in energy efficient appliances, upgrade your appliances with smart home technology, and replace your old electrical panel if need be. Give us a call at (239) 330-4520 for a free consultation.