(Although you might have heard the saying “daylight savings” with an “s,” the correct term is “daylight saving time.” Nevertheless, because the practice is to “save daylight,” some people include a hyphen in the phrase, while others don’t. In any case, your friendly local plumbers, HVAC technicians, and licensed electricians aim to help you, our amazing customers, save some money this spring with some energy-saving tips we offer below).
Although setting our clocks forward one hour in the spring does not actually create more daylight, it does change the time (on the clock) when the sun rises and sets and gives us an extra hour in the evening as we head into the spring.
Additionally, daylight saving time is also a great opportunity for us to save money on electricity costs by optimizing the systems in our homes. In the following, your friendly local electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians at Five Star Home Services will explain what you can do to “spring forward” and save money during “daylight saving time.”
Can Daylight Saving Time Help Me Save on Energy Costs?
As homeowners and business owners continue looking for ways to cut costs and promote efficiency, daylight saving time provides an excellent opportunity to “spring forward” and upgrade your energy consumption strategy. By aligning your lighting usage with daylight saving changes and optimizing the systems in your home, you can take advantage of natural light and reduce dependence on artificial lighting and other types of energy waste that are common in most homes. In the following, we will explain more about how you can optimize the systems in your home (or business) to positively impact your energy bill and the environment.
Preventative Maintenance is Key
Call Our Professionals: Whether it’s your water heater, HVAC system, lighting or electrical system, when preventive maintenance is properly implemented, equipment is routinely maintained to run in optimal condition. When the systems in our home run more efficiently, they don’t have to use as much energy and resources. This means cost savings as well as improving your environmental footprint. It also means prolonging the lifespan of your equipment and preventing future problems that can result in expensive repairs and premature replacements.
Clean Your Bulbs: Regularly dust your bulbs and fixtures to maintain maximum light output.
Check for Efficiency: Periodically review your energy bills and lighting setup to find additional ways to reduce electricity usage.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart Thermostats Save Money: There is plenty of evidence that smart thermostats can help most users save money. According to data gathered by the EPA, smart thermostats that meet Energy Star criteria save users an average of 8 percent on their overall utility bills. For the best prices on the latest smart thermostats, which you can control using your smartphone, call us today!
Upgrade to Efficient Lighting
Switch to LED: LED bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. The fact that LEDs are cool to the touch also makes them safer than traditional bulbs, with a reduced risk of combustion and injury. According to Energy.gov, the average household can save about $225 in energy costs per year by switching to LED lighting.
Install Dimmers: Dimmer switches allow you to adjust lighting levels according to the available daylight, saving electricity when full brightness isn’t needed. For the most competitive prices on electrical services, we encourage you to call Five Star today!
Implement Motion Sensors: This is another popular item for homeowners. Rooms that are not in constant use can benefit from motion sensor lighting, ensuring lights are only on when the space is occupied.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
Replacing Your Old Water Heater: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters are 24 percent to 34 percent more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters — if you use around 41 gallons per day. However, even if you double that amount, they are still 8 percent to 14 percent more efficient. This can amount to hundreds of savings per year depending on your usage. In any case, for the best prices on tankless water heaters in Greater Dayton, Greater Cincinnati, Greater Columbus and surrounding areas, call Five Star today and see what deals we are running!
Invest in Other Eco-Friendly Plumbing Solutions
Upgrade Other Plumbing Equipment: Installing low-flow faucets, toilets and showerheads — along with water-efficient appliances — can significantly reduce water and energy consumption. Additional plumbing upgrades include pressure-reducing valves, high-efficiency toilets, performance shower heads, recirculating hot-water systems, water saving faucets and more — all of which we offer at Five Star Home Services!
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Install Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment: Do you know how old your furnace or air conditioning system is? If not, it might be time to call our professional HVAC technicians to help you make a change. In fact, if your heat pump or air conditioner is over 10 years old, the money you save on heating and cooling could pay for the new system. If you haven’t already, daylight savings time is a great time to consider replacing your HVAC system with a newer unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly by our professionals, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. That can amount to hundreds of dollars in savings per year! For the best prices on HVAC equipment and indoor air quality products, call Five Star today!
Smart Timing
Utilize Timers: Set timers for outdoor lights to turn off when there’s sufficient daylight and on as it gets dark to avoid unnecessary usage.
Smart Home Technology: Invest in smart home technology that can be programmed or controlled remotely to match your schedule with daylight availability. Like smart plugs and switches, smart bulbs let you adjust lighting via your smartphone and set schedules and timers for lights. Smart bulbs use LEDs, which last at least 15 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and use about 70 to 90 percent less energy.
Harness Natural Light
Rearrange the Layout: Consider the placement of furniture and work areas in relation to windows. Maximizing areas where natural light is abundant can reduce the need for electrical lighting during the day.
Use Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors and other reflective decor can amplify natural light in a room, making spaces appear brighter.
Choose Light Colors: Light-colored walls and decor can brighten up a space more effectively than dark colors, which absorb light.
Educate and Encourage
Promote Awareness: Whether you’re a business owner or homeowner, encourage employees or the people in your home to make the most of natural light while being mindful of their energy consumption.
Stay Informed: Watch for new advancements in lighting technology and HVAC and plumbing technology, all of which can further increase efficiency and provide even greater savings. At Five Star Home Services, we offer the latest HVAC, plumbing, and electrical technology backed by the most professional services.
Need Additional Help? Just Call Five Star Today!
By adopting these strategies, homeowners and business owners alike can optimize the systems in their homes, reduce their carbon footprint, and see significant savings on energy bills. Additionally, by calling us at Five Star, we can help you get the most out of your money!
If you need help or have a question, call Five Star Home Services today at (833) 405-8009.
As a family-owned business since 1972, we proudly serve Greater Dayton, Greater Columbus, Greater Cincinnati, and surrounding areas! Learn more about our Whole Home Protect Plans.