Did you know that you can make a quick trip to your local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy-saving tools and equipment? Many of these are simple and easy to complete. If you don’t have any plans for the weekend, you do now.

1. Air conditioner filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. (Savings up to 2%)
2. Your home’s leaks: Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows (Savings up to 2%). Also, fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a MONTH. That not only increases your water bill, but it also increases your gas or electric bill for heating the water.
3. Choose Energy Efficient products:
• Use compact fluorescent lamps. You can lower your lighting bill by converting to energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent lighting and fixtures.
• Install programmable thermostat. (Savings up to 3% percent)
• Install a new energy-saver showerhead.

At Isom Electric, we are always looking for new tips to save you money. But don’t forget we are also here to help keep you safe with outdoor lighting, dock lighting, and generators. If you have a business, we can help with all your commercial lighting needs. Contact us today for your electrical needs.

The average home spends close to $2,000 a year on energy costs. But you can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time!

Some of these tips may surprise you…

• Use you microwave. Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.
• Use your dishwasher. Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let dishes air-dry to save even more!
• Keep your refrigerator stocked. Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool.

Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to reduce energy consumption while saving money. Below are more ways to cut back at home, at absolutely no cost to you.

Thermostat:
Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room. (Savings up to 3% per degree, for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees)

Appliances:
To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours, — from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Do your laundry efficiently by using the cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes. (Savings up to 4%)
• Line dry clothes whenever you can. (Savings up to 5%)
• When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use. (Savings up to 0.5%)
• Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle and air dry dishes instead. (Savings up to 1%)

Swimming pool filters:

• Reduce the operating time of your pool filter and automatic cleaning sweep to four to five hours, and only during off-peak time. (Savings up to 2% per hour of reduction)

Wasted energy:

• Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use. (Savings up to 2%)
• Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren’t in use-most new electronics use electricity even when switched “off.” Turn computers and printers off at the power strip. (Savings up to 2% percent)
• Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don’t really need it. This will save you up to $150 per year! (Savings up to 20%)
• Close the damper when your fireplace is not in use. Also, try not to use the fireplace and your central heating system at the same time.