Safety & Savings Tips
Want to save money and protect your home? We thought so. Taking some simple steps can help you slash energy bills, make your home safer, and do something good for the environment.
Easy ways to save some $$$$:
- Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use
- Buy fixtures that have a dimmer—you won’t be paying for more light than you need
- Cut water use by installing faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads and low flush toilets
- Set your thermostat 5 degrees higher—this can save almost 10% on cooling costs!
- Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees or use the “normal” setting when you’re home
- Turn off unnecessary lighting
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible
- Replace heating equipment more than 15 years old with new Energy Efficient models
- Install Energy Efficient heat pumps
- Clean furnace filters monthly and keep the furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted
- Reverse your ceiling fan motor in the winter—this will drive warmer air down to the edges of the room, resulting in more even heating
How to make your home a safer place:
- Avoid overloading circuits by plugging too many items into the same outlet
- Make sure working smoke detectors are installed on every floor outside sleeping areas and in every bedroom
- Watch for telltale problem signs: dimming of lights, frequent circuit breaker trips and blown fuses
- Limit the use of extension cords
- Use light bulbs that are the proper wattage for the fixture
- Never touch anything that runs on electricity when your hands are wet
- Avoid using hairdryers or electrical products near a sink or bathtub
You Need an Electrical Inspection If...
- Your home is 40 years or older
- Your older home has undergone major renovations
- You have added new appliances
- You are using appliances that have been re-sold