Everyone is trying to save money on utilities. It makes sense financially and environmentally. While there may be an initial investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh any installation costs. Here are a few of our favourite electrical upgrades that will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. CJ Brucacher offers professional residential electrical services to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.
LED Lighting
LED lighting uses up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lights. This improved performance saves money by using less energy and lasting longer, so you don’t buy as many lightbulbs. LED lights do not generate heat, putting all of the electricity towards lighting your home. Artwork and interior decorations won’t degrade when exposed to LED lights. LED lights also withstand being turned on and off better than traditional lights. These lights come in a variety of styles, sizes and finishes. You can install LED lights in places where traditional lights won’t fit.
Bathroom Fan Timers
After a bath or shower, the bathroom fan should run for about 20 minutes to reduce condensation and prevent mould and mildew. If you’ve ever gotten out of the shower and gone directly to bed, you might have either left the bathroom fan on all night or turned it off too quickly. Instead of wasting energy or accepting the risk of mould, install a timer on the bathroom fan. There are two types, manual and digital. A manual timer works like an oven timer that winds down and shuts off when the mechanism reaches the end. Digital timers can be set in 5- or 10-minute intervals. Manual timers are certainly less expensive, but smart digital timers can be controlled by your phone or other device. Depending on the level of installation, you may be able to simply plug the timer into your current system or you may want a professional electrician.
Dimmer Switches
If you enjoy mood lighting, you may already have dimmer switches in your home. Dimmer switches let you change the intensity of light from one bulb or even multiple. Modern dimmer switches go well beyond mood lighting though. These switches are energy efficient. Reducing the light in one bulb can save up to 98%. You can also create an ambience that suits your mood. Incorporating dimmer switches into your system can increase the longevity of your lights, both regular and LED.
Why You Should Use Professional Electrical Services
Many homeowners try to save money by DIYing some projects. Residential and commercial electrical services require a level of skill that many homeowners don’t have. Electricians have licenses, insurance and certifications that prove they understand how to get the job done safely and effectively. Here are three other reasons you should always contact a professional electrician when you need home repairs or upgrades:
- Electricians have the tools and equipment to install electrical components. This, combined with their knowledge and experience makes sure that anything you change to your electrical system is done right and won’t cause problems down the road.
- Electricians make sure your home is up to code. Electrical components are required to comply with electrical codes in your community. A professional electrician knows the codes and meets requirements, keeping your home safe.
- Professional electricians give you peace of mind. When electrical components aren’t wired correctly, there’s a bigger risk of fire and other dangers to your home. When you hire a professional, you won’t have to worry about the risks of not having the work done right. It just makes sense to have a professional do the work for your security and comfort. Contact CJ Brubacher for electrical services in Waterloo.