Seven Simple Ways to Save

Do you want to reduce your electricity bills at home and in the office? By making some simple changes to how you use energy, you can save money on your energy bills without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Here are 7 easy ways to save on your electric bill:

1. Get an Energy Audit
   
   An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of your home or office’s energy use, which includes identifying areas where you are wasting energy. It can help you to determine the areas of your home or office that consume the most energy and identify ways to reduce your consumption.
   
   During an energy audit, an auditor will examine the building’s insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, appliances, computers and devices. They will check for air leaks and examine the building’s energy efficiency. They will then provide a report with recommendations on ways to improve energy efficiency and save money on your electric bill.
   
   Many utility companies have affordable energy audit programs. Private professional audits cost from $100 to $500.
   
   
2. Stop putting off switching to LED light bulbs
   
   LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This means you’ll save money on your energy bill and on replacing bulbs less frequently. They also don’t emit as much heat as traditional bulbs, making them safer to use and easier on your air conditioning bill in the summer.
   
   
3. Adjust your thermostat
   
   According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling costs by simply adjusting your thermostat. In the summer months, set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and 85 degrees when you’re away. In the winter, aim for 68 degrees when you’re home and 60 degrees when you’re away.
   
   
4. Unplug electronics when not in use
   
   Did you know that even when electronics are turned off, they can still consume electricity? It’s called “standby power” or “vampire power”, and it can account for up to 10% of your energy bill. The best way to avoid this unnecessary waste is to simply unplug electronics when they’re not in use. Some common culprits of standby power include televisions, chargers, gaming consoles, and computers. These devices continue to consume energy even when they’re in “sleep mode”. To prevent this, consider using power strips with an on/off switch or simply unplug electronics when you’re finished using them.
   
   Another tip is to make sure to unplug chargers once your device is fully charged. Leaving them plugged in not only wastes energy but can also damage your battery over time.
   
   
5. Use Smart Power Strips
   
   Smart power strips allow you to control the power usage of your electronics and appliances, even when they’re not in use. Here’s how they work:
   
   Smart power strips come equipped with outlets that are controlled by a central switch. This means that when you turn off the power strip, all of the devices plugged into it will also turn off. This is especially useful for electronics that use standby power, such as TVs, computers, and chargers. This function can be controlled by a preset timer. Be sure the strip has an onboard surge protector as well.
   
   
6. Upgrade your electronics
   
   Older electronics tend to use more energy, so replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models can save you money on your electric bill in the long run. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This label indicates that the appliance or electronics meets energy-efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These models can help you save up to 30% on energy costs.
   
   Choose a laptop over a desktop. Laptops use up to 80% less energy than desktop computers. Buy a high-efficiency washer and dryer. Energy-efficient washers and dryers can save you up to 25% on energy costs.
   
   
7. Take Advantage of Natural Light
   
   One of the easiest ways to save on your electric bill is to make use of natural light. Not only is it free, but it’s also better for your health and can boost your mood.
   
   Start by opening curtains and blinds during the day to allow sunlight to filter into your home or office. You can also position desks and workstations near windows to maximize natural light.
   
   On the other hand, if you have a room full of people quietly working on backlit screens, you may want to tone down both the natural light and most of the electric lighting to create an energy-efficient darkened room. 

Your LACOSTA Team is aware of energy saving possibilities

In an office setting or manufacturing area, your LACOSTA crew is aware of energy saving measures for your working environment. If you decide to do an Energy Audit by a professional, please share the resulting reports with your LACOSTA Manager and our team will implement energy saving strategies in your office.