A prominent Miami electrician provides the following eight tips to help you to save on your electric bills.
1. Clean or replace air filters in appliances. Replace filters on exhaust hoods, humidifiers, vacuums, etc. Clogged filters impair performance and cause the units to run longer.
2. Only use one refrigerator or freezer. You can spend up to $120 in electricity per year using a second refrigerator or freezer. If you want to use a second refrigerator or freezer during holidays or for special occasions, turn it on one to two days before you need it.
3. Refrigerator and freezer doors should seal tightly. Loose seals cause your unit to work harder and use more energy. If you can move a dollar bill through the closed door, the seal is not tight enough. Get the seals replaced or replace the unit if it is an older model.
4. Select the shortest cycle that properly cleans your dishes. Shorter cycles use less hot water and less energy.
5. Skip rinsing the dishes. Rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher wastes energy. If you do rinse, use cold water.
6. Consider a natural gas range or oven. Natural gas appliances cost less to operate than electric appliances and offer better temperature control.
7. Make sure the oven seals tightly. Make sure the seal on the oven door is tight. Even a small gap allows heat to escape and wastes energy. If you can move a dollar bill through the closed door, the seal is not tight enough and should be replaced.
8. Always run a full load in your washer or dryer. Running a partial load uses the same amount of energy as a full load but you get less done. Running full loads allows you to run your washer or dryer less often.
