In the desert weather in Las Vegas, summers can get hot. You will inevitably consume more energy to keep your home comfortable in extreme weather. However, there are simple and practical ways you can reduce the electrical consumption of your house.
1. Turn Off Unnecessary Appliances and Use Task Lighting
If you’re using incandescent bulbs, replace them with LED or fluorescent lights. They use up only 5% of energy, and the rest is wasted as heat. Incandescent bulbs can produce a lot of heat, which increases interior temperatures and will overwork your AC system. As a result, your AC unit ages faster and may accumulate expenses in terms of utility bills and frequent repairs.
You can also save energy by utilizing natural light. Using indoor lighting during the day can significantly raise your electrical consumption. Two 120-watt bulbs remaining on for a couple of hours can increase your utility bills by $15 per year.
Consider using task lighting in your kitchen, home office or any work area in your residence. Task lighting illuminates the workspace directly and uses small amounts of power. They often include LED bulbs, which are usually the best choice when you want to save on energy.
The orientation of your property may increase the energy demands of your home. In the summer, consider using shades or curtains for windows that face the sun. Sunlight coming in from these windows can raise temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees.
Consider using fans to improve your indoor comfort, too. A ceiling fan creates a draft near the top of the room to distribute heat and cool the interior faster. You can use fans near your desk to get the most out of its cooling effect and reduce energy consumption.
2. Address Unnecessary Energy Wastage
Switch off unused electronics and ensure they are not on standby. Standby power can consume up to 10% of your annual household energy usage. Even battery-powered devices like mobile phones can consume significant amounts of electrical energy, as they require frequent charging.
You can reduce the buildup of heat by encouraging airflow in your interior spaces. Window coverings can block the afternoon sun to better manage interior temperatures. Managing heat prevents your central heating system from overworking and can cut down your electrical bill.
Also consider getting rid of old appliances, such as TVs and computers. You may want to consider switching from your desktop computer to a laptop. On average, laptops use 20 to 70 watts per hour as opposed to desktop computers that can consume over 150 watts.
If you’re planning to acquire new equipment such as an air conditioner, consider its Energy Star rating. An Energy Star rating certifies that an appliance meets the energy efficiency requirements set by regulations. These appliances are between 10% to 20% more efficient than similar products.
3. Seal and Insulate Doors and Windows
Insulation is a critical factor when you want to save energy and keep your home comfortable throughout the seasons. It shields your interior from the outdoor heat that can raise the temperature in crawlspaces and the attic. The insulation materials you use primarily depends on the climate of the area. In Las Vegas, for instance, temperatures can go to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The R-value for the attic in Las Vegas is 49, but that will depend on other factors in your house. You will need to have the appropriate insulation for crawlspaces, ceilings and exterior walls. Any room adjacent to the outdoors can impact indoor temperatures and will require insulation. Older homes may have outdated insulation that is not of the appropriate R-value.
Therefore, you ought to organize a professional inspection of your property to prevent energy loss. You can choose between several options, such as fiberglass and cellulose blown-in insulation. However, the choice of material may be affected by your preferences and budget.
While reviewing the insulation in your house, make a point of sealing your windows, too. Air leaks can account for 5% and 30% of the energy consumed in your Las Vegas home. Weather stripping and caulking are cost-effective and practical ways to seal your doors and windows to save energy.
4. Manage Your Thermostat
You can also reduce energy by adjusting your HVAC system’s thermostat according to the time of day. Unfortunately, manual adjustment of your thermostat is not the most efficient or convenient way to manage temperatures. That is why you should consider getting a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat is a more convenient way to manage temperatures based on your schedule. Smart devices can adjust according to the time of day or night, even while you’re away. For example, instead of heating your house throughout the day, it can start heating right before you get home.
Most thermostats have features that make them easy to use. You can change temperatures from any part of your residence through Wi-Fi. You can also receive periodic reports on your energy consumption. These reports will give you an idea of which appliances in your house are using up electrical energy.
Some smart thermostats utilize technologies like geofencing to determine if anyone is home. It can turn down the system whenever the house is empty. [Company_name] is a Lennox premier dealer in Las Vegas. Our certified technicians can help you choose a suitable thermostat to save energy and enhance your indoor comfort.
It’s worth noting that the placement of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. Make sure the thermostat is not exposed to the sun or close to a source of ambient heat such as a cooker, as this may cause your system to run for longer than is necessary.
5. Schedule Routine Maintenance of Your Appliances
Statistics indicate that your HVAC system accounts for approximately half of all the energy consumed in your home. With time, your unit can become inefficient and will consume even more energy. Routine maintenance work is necessary to keep your equipment in immaculate condition.
One common problem with HVAC systems is airflow blockage. Blockages will make your equipment work harder. Changing or cleaning the air filters can prevent systemic problems with your appliance. At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we recommend changing your filters every month to keep your house comfortable during Las Vegas’ blistering summers.
A routine tune-up also involves cleaning and checking internal components. Dust on the evaporator coils can make the component inefficient. Such tasks are best handled by a certified HVAC maintenance professional. Professionals are trained to repair the equipment while upholding safety standards.
Additionally, an inspection of your HVAC will detect problems that could increase energy consumption. For example, the blower may not have adequate lubrication, which will slow down its operation. Other critical issues may include suboptimal refrigerant levels, impurities in the refrigerant, clogged condenser tubes or fans running continuously.
If you suspect there are insulation problems or leaks, you can organize a home energy audit. An energy audit is the surest way to pinpoint the factors that are causing wastage of energy. Using sophisticated equipment such as infrared scanners, certified professionals can carry out a thorough assessment.
At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we service Trane, Lennox and Carrier among other brands and models of equipment in Las Vegas. We also have a highly qualified team that can address your indoor air quality issues. Our NATE-certified technicians can offer timely solutions for your heating and cooling systems. You can depend on Polar Air & Heating, Inc. for dependable installation, repair and maintenance services in Las Vegas. Call us today for more information.
