During the winter season, it’s normal to expect a surge in monthly utility expenses due to the higher demand for heating to keep homes comfortable during this season. As such, many homeowners look for ways to save as much energy as possible while remaining warm and cozy. While there are many ways to save energy, there are also popular myths that still run rampant to this day.
In this post, your commercial electrical contractors at Bailey & Shipp Electric share three popular energy-saving myths, then proceed to debunk them.
Turning off HVAC units to save energy. On paper, this seems like a great way to save energy since you’re not using your heating and cooling units at all, which will cut your energy usage by a significant amount. However, what most people don’t realize is that once you turn your unit back on, it’ll have to work twice as hard to rebalance the indoor temperature and airflow. This is why it’s better to leave it on at times. You can actually save more energy if you upgrade to a programmable thermostat. As long as it’s properly installed, you can save more than a hundred dollars a year on energy expenses.
Compromising on insulation due to walls. Some homeowners think that they can’t add more insulation to their homes once the walls are up. However, your electrician will tell you that it’s very important for your home to have the proper insulation thickness, or R-value. Insulation can only be effective when it’s used under the right conditions. You can conduct home repairs during the fall season that can help you decrease your energy bills while allowing warm air in.
Turning off ceiling fans. Your ceiling fan can be your best friend during the winter season if you reverse its direction. Doing so pushes the warm air trapped up near the ceiling down toward the floor. This in turn makes your room feel warmer while consuming less energy, reducing your monthly energy expenditures.
For all your residential and commercial electrical needs, turn to Bailey & Shipp. We’re electrical contractors offering exterior lighting, hot tub wiring, generator installation services and more. Call us at (410) 457-3507 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve homeowners in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, VA, and the surrounding areas.