Archetype Electrical Services

1. Replace the light bulbs in your home with energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps. Make sure the lamps are rate for dimming if you are using dimmers. You could also consider using LED lamps.

2. Unplug all appliances and electronics when they are not being used. Phone chargers, computers and televisions generally use power when they are turned off or in standby mode. Many kitchen appliances do so as well. Consider putting your appliances on power strips that can be turned off when your equipment is not in use.

3. Lower your hot water temperature settings to 60° C. This will reduce your energy consumption while providing enough hot water for most families. You could also consider replacing your conventional water heater with an “on-demand” water heater.

4. Install a programmable thermostat. These can be purchased from your local hardware store and are easy for most homeowners to install. This will help to make sure the heat is off when you are not home. You can also program the heat to be lower while you are sleeping, and come back up to a comfortable temperature before you awake.

5. Replace your shower head with a low-flow one. These are available at all hardware stores and are easy to replace.

6. Replace your appliances with Energy Star qualified products. The cost for Energy Star is only a little higher than for standard appliances, and you can replace your appliances one at a time as they wear out.

7. Replace your bathroom switches with timers. Bathroom lights and fans are often left on by family members. Timers with settings for 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes can be purchased at your local hardware store. These timers can easily be installed by most homeowners. Make sure you turn the circuit breaker off first! You can call an electrical contractor if you are not comfortable with doing this on your own.

8. Leave your blinds and curtains closed while you are away. This will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Even in the summer it’s usually best to leave the windows closed until you get home in the afternoon, especially if your windows are facing north or west.

9. Consider becoming a vegetarian or vegan. Ok, I admit that this isn’t necessarily easy, and it may not reduce your utility bills. But it is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Since a vegetarian diet isn’t for everyone, you could consider reducing your meat intake by 1 or 2 meals a week.

2. Unplug all appliances and electronics when they are not being used. Phone chargers, computers and televisions generally use power when they are turned off or in standby mode. Many kitchen appliances do so as well. Consider putting your appliances on power strips that can be turned off when your equipment is not in use.

3. Lower your hot water temperature settings to 60° C. This will reduce your energy consumption while providing enough hot water for most families. You could also consider replacing your conventional water heater with an “on-demand” water heater.

4. Install a programmable thermostat. These can be purchased from your local hardware store and are easy for most homeowners to install. This will help to make sure the heat is off when you are not home. You can also program the heat to be lower while you are sleeping, and come back up to a comfortable temperature before you awake.

5. Replace your shower head with a low-flow one. These are available at all hardware stores and are easy to replace.

6. Replace your appliances with Energy Star qualified products. The cost for Energy Star is only a little higher than for standard appliances, and you can replace your appliances one at a time as they wear out.

7. Replace your bathroom switches with timers. Bathroom lights and fans are often left on by family members. Timers with settings for 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes can be purchased at your local hardware store. These timers can easily be installed by most homeowners. Make sure you turn the circuit breaker off first! You can call an electrical contractor if you are not comfortable with doing this on your own.

8. Leave your blinds and curtains closed while you are away. This will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Even in the summer it’s usually best to leave the windowd closed until you get home in the afternoon, especially if your windows are facing north or west.

9. Consider becoming a vegetarian or vegan. Ok, I admit that this isn’t necessarily easy, and it may not reduce your utility bills. But it is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Since a vegetarian diet isn’t for everyone, you could consider reducing your meat intake by 1 or 2 meals a week.