EST. 2013
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It's difficult to imagine how our ancestors lived without electricity. Modern-day problems are much different from the stone age, and we definitely depend on the energy we use in our homes! Of course, now we have to worry about just how much energy we are consuming and electricity prices.
Speaking of electricity prices, don't have time to research what the cheapest electricity rates are? For millions of Texans, it can be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack! Use this Energy Ogre resource to compare electricity rates in Texas by your ZIP code.
Using our tool, you'll be able to quickly identify what the best rates currently are before you go out and search on your own.
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Ok, back to the blog. There are many household appliances that raise your electric bill; however, there are also some great solutions. For the smaller electronics in your home, it's easy to grab some energy-efficient products to help reduce your electricity costs. For those larger, energy draining home appliances and systems, let's identify some great options to better manage their operating energy costs.
Central Air Conditioner
Here in Texas, we LOVE our air conditioners. They might not love us quite as much, though. According to Energy.gov (the U.S. Department of Energy), 6% of the average U.S. household HVAC system’s energy use goes towards space cooling. This amounts to $29 billion in electricity consumption every year for homeowners!
The solution: The quickest way to energy-savings on cooling your home is to regularly clean and replace your cooling unit's filters. Make sure it's cleared of debris and gets an annual inspection.
You'll also want to run your air conditioner less, when possible. Keep your hands off of that thermostat! If your unit is old, consider switching to a new, high-efficiency unit. The newer units can reduce your air conditioning energy consumption by 20 to 50 percent.Refrigerator & Freezer
When it comes to appliances that never get a break—the refrigerator is at the top of that short list of using the most electricity. It's constantly running, which means it's sucking a lot of energy.
This is true for deep freezers, too. Those freezers you have stocked with frozen meat and Popsicles in your garage are really handy. They are also racking up the numbers on your energy bill, even more than a refrigerator, because they require more wattage.The solution: Stock that fridge and freezer! The more you put in the unit, the less it has to work to keep the items cool or frozen.
You may also consider switching to an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator. They use far less energy and can save you over $270 over the next 5 years. Additionally, if you have an extra refrigerator in your garage or basement that is over 10 years old, its electricity usage is costing you around $110 per year!Electric Water Heater
This is one appliance many of us take for granted. We have clean dishes, laundry, and bodies, because of our water heaters! An average 40-gallon water heater uses around 4,500 watts of electricity per hour. However, there is good news! Unlike your fridge and A/C unit during the summer, your water heater isn't constantly running. It only runs when it's actually heating water.
When it comes to appliances that raise your electric bill, the water heater is something you can definitely control.The solution: The lower the temperature of the water you're heating, the less energy the water heater will consume. Turn the temperature down to save a little on utility bills. Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. And only use hot water to wash clothes when it's totally necessary.
Space Heater
Space heaters are a great way to warm up a specific area or room in your home, but they are big-time energy suckers. Appliances don't have to be large and bulky to raise your electricity bill. Space heaters have to work very hard to produce the heat needed. That means they need a lot of power.
The solution: If you're constantly using a space heater, consider a bigger solution. Check the insulation or redirect heating to that area. Unplug the space heater when it's not being used, and only use it when it's totally necessary. You might also be interested in thinking outside the box to stay warm during the winter—without electricity!
Lighting
Arguably the most important appliance in our world today, lighting can also be a significant portion of your monthly electricity costs. Why is that? Well, not only are lights almost constantly used in some homes, but many people leave them on when they’re asleep or not even home!
Another problem is the lightbulbs homeowners are using. Many people are still using the old incandescent light bulbs—you know, the ones with the tungsten filament inside. But times have changed, and better options are now available.
The solution: LED light bulbs are now the go-to light bulb. LED light bulbs use 90% less energy AND last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Average households can save over $200 per year by making the switch to LED bulbs. Sounds like a no brainer to me!
Use Energy Ogre for Lower Electric Bills
Have you done all you can to limit your usage but still cringe at your energy bill? Maybe your rate is just too high. Head over to Energy Ogre's Energy Savings Calculator and see how much of a better plan we can find for you.
Energy Ogre evaluates all electricity plans on the market to make sure you're getting the best and lowest option for your home. Stop wasting time guessing if you chose the right plan, and give Energy Ogre a shot at managing it all for you!
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