Consumers do not need anyone pointing out the added expenses of living in a city like Pittsburgh. The city being labeled the “largest economic hub” in Western Pennsylvania should say enough about the lack of affordable housing. Whatever the case may be, owning a home in the Greater Pittsburgh region comes with a whole set of responsibilities.
Pittsburgh is continuously welcoming new residents, businesses, sports venues, and recreational facilities. As the city’s population continues to grow, so does the cost of being a property owner. Residents have voiced concern about the ever-increasing electric bill. To put it plainly, Pittsburgh homeowners could stand to save money whenever and wherever possible.
There is a way consumers can cut their electricity bills by at least 10 percent by renovating their outdated home electrical system. Even minor updates can improve energy usage, resulting in slight decreases in your electric bill.
Thermostat With “Smartness”
In most residential settings, more than half of the electricity consumption is contributed to the energy-hogging HVAC unit. Pittsburgh is known for its harsh winters and warm summers, with daytime temperatures scaling up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Pittsburgh reports annual snowfalls of over 44 inches. Several inches of snow can fall over a two-hour period. It isn’t difficult to see how the heating system could end up operating around the clock during the coldest part of winter.
HVAC technology has undergone extensive changes over the last decade. The smart thermostat hit the U.S. market for the first time in 2007. The Ecobee Smart Programmable Thermostat took the nation by storm. Its many innovative features reduce energy consumption by giving consumers more control over their HVAC systems. When a complete heating & air conditioning system upgrade isn’t practical, the smart thermostat can help minimize energy consumption.
Programming temperatures to 78 degrees Fahrenheit on summer days and 68 degrees Fahrenheit on the coolest of winter nights is an excellent starting point. With the technologies available today, homeowners can even monitor and control their systems while away, so shutting the system down when out could be another option.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Just as there are advanced thermostats that allow for remote monitoring and control, there are devices that can offer the same for lighting systems. Forgot to shut your lights off after missing the alarm this morning? Perhaps your children left their bathroom lights and exhaust fan blaring.
Doesn’t sound like much, but many would be surprised how much this contributes to wasted electricity. In scenarios like these, it isn’t just the lighting but there’s also the temperature to consider.
Installing programmable lighting fixtures and LED bulbs can reduce energy consumption in residential settings. The initial costs will no doubt be noticeable, but it will pay for itself over time. Economy experts recommend investing in energy-efficient brands offering rebates and Energy Star-certified products.
Take Advantage Of Natural Heat And Ventilation
Mother Nature is a fickle beast, but it is also a miraculous gift that should be taken advantage of whenever possible. Weather reports and forecasts have improved and can help prepare for future events, but they aren’t entirely reliable.
That said, there will be plenty of time throughout the year when homeowners can take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation. A high-efficiency fan combined with cracked doors and open windows is a good way to save loads on electrical costs while at the same time, airing out the home.
Smart Receptacles
Smart plugs or outlets have been proven to help Pittsburgh consumers control their home energy consumption more effectively. The interface is user-friendly, featuring interconnectivity capability.
A Higher Initial Investment
Technology will only continue to evolve. It isn’t merely in the electronic industry either. Everything from house goods to plumbing parts is being designed with efficiency in mind. Given the proven saving rates the items offer, it only makes sense to invest. And this is not to mention all the additional features there for the taking or the tax rebates.
Unplug And Switch To “Off”
With the sheer number of electrical capabilities available today, it’s hard not to want to stay connected around the clock. It’s nearly impossible not to! However, just like heating systems, lights, and fans, nearly any electrical appliance can be used excessively. Despite the advances, most devices don’t seize charging once they reach a full battery. Some may continue charging for hours as a backup.
Either way, a small continuous drain on the electrical grid may not seem like much, but with all the devices in the home working overtime when they aren’t needed can be a huge drain. Not just on the electrical grid, but on the wallet.
The U.S. Department of Energy “DOE” reported 0.04 kWh savings for each hour of not running an unattended light bulb. The initial savings may not be noticeable but making it a habit will eventually generate a lower electric bill.
Timers And Power Strips
Saying something and doing it are two completely different things. It’s easy to say that something will get done, and many may set out with intentions of doing just that, but when it comes to the implementation, it’s always much harder than intended. Even something as simple as unplugging phones and computers, when fully charged, can turn out to be complicated. Installing power strips and outlets or entire circuit breakers with timers essentially removes all the guesswork. Put your electricity on a more efficient schedule and the savings will roll in!