green" Archives - Trustworthy Electric

How to Save Green on Electric Bills for St. Patrick's Day

Go Green to Save Green

Saving money on electric bills can be done in several ways. By reducing energy consumption with these easy tips, homeowners can reduce their energy usage and see savings. This blog will share a few simple tips to provide energy savings and help homeowners go green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans save considerable energy even when using heating or air conditioning. However, the direction that the ceiling fan spins is crucial because one way is more effective for heating, and the other is more effective for cooling. Because they help circulate treated air, they can reduce the need for constant AC or heater usage, allowing for less energy needed for temperature regulation.

Spinning the blades clockwise during the colder months when the heater is on will help circulate warm air from the heater so that less energy is needed to stay comfortable and keep a consistent temperature. Ceiling fans should be set to spin counterclockwise to help the air conditioner use less energy when it’s warmer outside. Most ceiling fans have a small switch located at the base of the fan that will automatically change the direction in which the blades spin.

Turn Off Lights and Appliances When Possible

Turning off lights and unplugging appliances when not being used is a simple yet effective way to save energy and money. This practice can help reduce a home’s overall energy consumption and lower utility bills. While unplugging the refrigerator is not sanitary and can ruin groceries, small kitchen appliances like coffee makers, toaster ovens, and microwaves do not need electricity when they aren’t in use and can be turned off to save energy.

If homeowners are in an area with plenty of natural light, such as a room facing the sun during the day, they can also take advantage of this to reduce their energy consumption. Turn off lights and unplug appliances when away from home or not in use. The Department of Energy estimates homeowners can save approximately 10% monthly by simply unplugging appliances to save electricity.

Making the Switch to LEDs

LED lights are becoming increasingly popular in homes and businesses as they have many benefits over incandescent and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs, including a longer lifespan and greater energy efficiency. They also cost less to operate since they use less energy than other types of lights, reducing electricity bills.

LED lightbulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting, providing significant savings by switching. Additionally, LED lights last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, so homeowners won't need to replace them as often, saving money on lightbulb replacements and reducing environmental waste. In addition to saving money, LED lights are known for their safety because LEDs emit very little heat compared to incandescent and CFL lightbulbs.

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has over 20 years of experience serving Montgomery and the surrounding communities. They provide upfront pricing, on-time service, and financing. Call them today for LED lighting and ceiling fan installation in Montgomery, AL.

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Keep Your Home Green This St. Patrick's Day to Avoid the Dreaded Pinch!

3 Ways to Help a Home Become More “Green”

The old habit of pinching someone who’s not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is still going strong. But another way to stay pinch-free is to help the home get “green” and eco-friendly. There’s no time like the present to help the environment and the home energy bills by utilizing some of these tips for a more green home. From using natural light to energy-efficient appliances to keeping the plugs empty when not in use, the following are ways homeowners can keep their homes green, not just for St. Paddy’s Day, but for every other day, too.

The Wonders of Natural Light

It’s amazing how much natural light can do for a home. Letting the sunshine in through the windows can reduce the need for light bulbs during the day. For those homes with dark corners where the sun doesn’t quite reach, the use of strategically-placed mirrors can work wonders. When used in conjunction with white walls, open doors, and open shades, the need for artificial light can dwindle significantly.

It’s also a good idea to switch from old incandescent light bulbs to new LED bulbs. These new bulbs are more expensive, but they pay for themselves quickly. They use much less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.

Excellent Energy-Efficient Appliances

Light bulbs aren’t the only household products that have been improved in recent years. Innovation in clean energy and technology has made nearly every household appliance available in an eco-friendly version. New energy-efficient dishwashers help reduce the amount of water and electricity used when compared to older versions.

New fridges are also making a big difference in energy bills. Fridges with freezers set on top are usually significantly more efficient than those with side or bottom freezers. Washing machines are another great way to save money while getting the home a little more green. Energy-efficient washers can use as little as 7,000 gallons of water a year, compared to 12,000 gallons on older models.

But water isn’t the only thing being conserved. These new washers can use as little as 200 kilowatt-hours per year, while older models use as much as 400 kilowatt-hours. The best way to shop for new appliances is to look for ones with the Energy Star sticker on them. These appliances are required to meet or exceed the federal minimum standards for energy efficiency.

Unplug The Outlets When Not in Use

Lastly, keeping outlets unplugged when they’re not in use can cut down on “vampire energy devices,” which continue to use power even when they’re not being used. It won’t be long before the amount of energy used by these devices is small enough to be negligible, but until then, the simple act of unplugging a device that’s not in use can help a home stay green.

About Trustworthy Electric Inc.

The friendly neighbors at Trustworthy Electric Inc. have been serving Montgomery, AL, for over 20 years. They offer up-front pricing, and all their work is done by fully licensed, bonded, and insured electricians. They also have a same-day problem-solver guarantee! Call today for friendly customer care and expert electrical services in Montgomery, AL.

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How To Make This Year's Holiday Decor "Go Green"

Saving the Environment with Holiday Lights

Tis’ the season! This holiday season, everyone is filled with joy and excitement as friends and family get the opportunity to spend time together and reflect on great memories. All of these great memories would not be possible without this beautiful planet.

During this upcoming holiday season, take advantage of a little way that you can help protect mother earth. Switching out your regular lights with eco-friendly lights can help save the environment while appreciating all that it has given us.

Indoor LED Light Decorations

You will have plenty of light decoration options for the inside of your home this holiday season. This is the perfect year to replace all of your light decorations with LED lights. LED lights are more expensive than your traditional lights, but they will save you a ton of money in the long run.

For one, they use one-tenth of the electricity that standard bulbs use. People always cringe during the holidays when they receive their electric bill - this is one way to avoid that cringe.

Another reason to switch over is because LED lights don’t burn out like the standard ones. Studies have shown that LED lights can last up to 50 times longer than standard lights. Save money, aggravation, and the environment with LED light decorations this year.

Solar Powered Outdoor Lights

For the outside of your house, consider switching to using solar-powered lights. In addition to saving you money, you don’t have to go through the headache of using extension cords and replacing broken bulbs. No plugs are needed for your solar-powered outdoor lights.

All that you need is a rechargeable battery and you are good to go. The holidays lead to an excessive amount of energy use, which leads to more carbon dioxide emissions, which ultimately hurts the environment.

One final positive with solar power outdoor lights is that you rest easy knowing you have greatly reduced any chance of a house fire. Increased use of electricity ultimately leads to an increased chance of a house fire. A house fire is no way to ever celebrate the holidays.

Maximize Your LED Decor

Many people like to have their house really stand out amongst all their neighbors. This is possible by adding extra props to grab people’s attention as they drive by. Your front yard can be loaded with additional festive objects that are filled with LED lights.

Reindeers and sleighs are popular LED light items to bring people’s imaginations to life. Candles are a very powerful holiday symbol and they are also available in Light Emitting Diode form. Sometimes it can be difficult to string lights around trees and shrubs.

Avoid that hassle by purchasing various LED lighted trees that are already decorated and ready to beautify your yard. You can decorate your dream house with all the fixings you want while saving money and the environment!

About Trustworthy Electric

Trustworthy Electric has worked hard to earn the trust of residents of Alabama since 1994. Their fully licensed, bonded, and insured team provides quality electrical work at fair prices. Customers can trust they are in good hands when it comes to all their lighting, electrical installation, and electrical safety needs.