Energy Efficiency

As our lives increasingly revolve around working and spending leisure time at home, our reliance on lights, electronics, appliances, and heating or cooling systems tends to surge. This uptick in energy consumption can inevitably lead to higher utility bills.

Fortunately, for those fortunate enough to call a Magic Valley Custom Homes their own, there's already an array of energy-efficient features in place, designed to mitigate electrical consumption and keep your wallet happy. These features include UV-blocking windows that deflect heat and harmful UV rays, cutting-edge spray foam insulation that curbs the loss of conditioned air, and meticulously sealed insulated ducts that amplify the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Electronics

With the current trend of remote work and online meetings, our computers are working overtime, and televisions might be on more frequently, especially with kids at home. According to Hanks, the good news is that increased usage of devices like computers and televisions doesn't significantly impact your electricity bills. Nevertheless, it's advisable to unplug your laptop, computer, and other electronics once you've wrapped up your work for the day since they still draw some energy even in standby or sleep mode.

Lights

Working from home means your lights are likely on more than usual. Hanks recommends making the switch to LED light bulbs. These bulbs have a lifespan up to 15 times longer than traditional incandescent ones and consume 90% less energy. Additionally, they emit approximately 90% less heat, leading to savings on overall costs. The easiest way to cut down on lighting expenses is a simple one: "When you're not using something, turn it off," advises Hanks. This rule applies to all family members.

Thermostat and Fans

While at home and awake, consider setting your thermostat to a slightly lower temperature that remains comfortable. On chillier days, opt for cozy attire like sweaters and slippers. When leaving the house or heading to bed, reduce the thermostat further. Smart or programmable thermostats allow for convenient presetting, automatically adjusting heating and cooling settings to save money throughout the year. Be sure to check if your utility company offers rebates for smart thermostats, such as APS.

In the winter, make sure to reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. Running them clockwise helps draw room air upwards and circulate warm air downwards. Hanks adds a valuable reminder: "Fans can make people feel warmer or cooler, but they don't actually heat or cool rooms. So when you leave the room, turn the fan off."

For energy-efficient practices, open blinds and curtains during daylight hours to welcome in natural sunlight, and close them at night to retain heat.

Time-of-Use Pricing

Spending more time at home may lead to using appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers during daylight hours. Investigate whether your utility provider offers variable pricing for peak and off-peak periods. Some utilities do, and it's advantageous to capitalize on this, as the rest of the time generally features lower electricity rates compared to flat-rate plans. For example, if peak hours are from 3-8 p.m., consider running your appliances before or after this period to benefit from the more affordable off-peak rates.

Additionally, think about investing in a water heater controller that heats water during off-peak hours, functioning as a storage system.

More Tips

To further reduce energy costs, here are additional measures you can take:

1. Schedule a heating system tune-up.

2. Winterize your home by caulking and weather stripping doors and windows, sealing any areas where outdoor air could infiltrate.

3. Arrange for a free Virtual Energy Checkup – numerous utility companies, such as APS, provide energy efficiency advisors who guide customers through a personalized virtual tour of their homes, offering tips on how and where to save energy and money.

4. Create an online home energy profile – Some utility companies offer customers an online survey to assess their home's efficiency, provide potential savings estimates, and offer energy-saving recommendations tailored to their lifestyle.